A bit about Kirkcaldy

History

Kirkcaldy is the second largest town in Fife. It is nicknamed the ‘Lang Toun’, a name dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries when its main street reached nearly a mile long. After absorbing neighbouring settlements in 1876, its main street measured almost 4 miles. The town began as a burgh under the control of Dunfermline Abbey before the construction of a harbour led to the town’s expansion. 

From the early 16th century, Kirkcaldy was an important trading post. During the Industrial Revolution, the town became well known for making floorcloth and from 1861, linoleum. Kirkcaldy became known as the ‘linoleum capital of the world’ with many families having more than one generation employed in the industry. 

Kirkcaldy hosts the annual six-day Links Market, which is Europe’s longest street fair. The tradition first began in 1304 and today attracts around 100,000 visitors from across the country[3]. Kirkcaldy’s most famous son is philosopher and economist Adam Smith, who penned his landmark 1776 work Wealth of Nations at his mother’s house in the High Street. The town’s 475-seat theatre, which opened in 1899, is named the Adam Smith Theatre in honour of the economist.

Location and Travel

Kirkcaldy is almost 12 miles north of Edinburgh and 28 miles south of Dundee. Kirkcaldy Railway Station is in the north-west of the town while its main bus station can be found between Hill Place and Hunter Street. For road users, the A92 which links Dunfermline with Dundee, passes north of Kirkcaldy and is connected to the town by the A910 and the A921. The main road through the north of the town is the B981.

Local Amenities

Kirkcaldy has two main shopping areas. The Mercat Shopping Centre, next to Kirkcaldy High Street, has more than 40 stores and cafes, while Fife Central Retail Park, is home to a host of big-name brands. Kirkcaldy Galleries in Abbotshall Road houses the central library, an art gallery and the town museum. For entertainment, there is also the Adam Smith Theatre in Bennochy Road. 

Fife Ice Arena, in Rosslyn Street, is open for public skating, speed skating and curling and is home to the UK’s oldest ice hockey team The Fife Flyers. Visitors and residents can also take a seaside stroll along the Kirkcaldy Esplanade, while there are three public parks to enjoy– Beveridge Park to the west of the town, Ravenscraig Park to the east and Dunniker Park to the North.

Providing HR Support to Kirkcaldy Businesses

For businesses across Kirkcaldy, The HR Dept can help you with all your HR needs so you can focus on achieving your business goals. Our highly qualified team of professionals are experts in all aspects of HR and employment law. The HR Dept offers support and services on everything from employment tribunals, contracts and payrolls to pensions, reorganisations and dismissals. Our specialists are here to help, whether you plan to outsource your HR completely or need support with a special one-off project. For expert HR support you can rely on, please get in touch today.