Monifieth
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Monifieth | |
---|---|
Location | |
OS grid reference: | NO56653422 |
Statistics | |
Population: | 7,900 |
Administration | |
Council area: | Angus |
Constituent country: | Scotland |
Sovereign state: | United Kingdom |
Other | |
Police force: | Tayside Police |
Lieutenancy area: | Angus |
Former county: | Angus |
Post office and telephone | |
Post town: | MONIFIETH |
Postal district: | DD5 |
Dialling code: | 01382 |
Politics | |
Scottish Parliament: | Angus North East Scotland |
UK Parliament: | Dundee East |
European Parliament: | Scotland |
Monifieth is a small town and burgh on the East Coast of Scotland, which ajoins the City of Dundee. Although there is no physical gap between Dundee and Monifieth, it is part of the Angus Council area. The town has a population of about 7,900.
Contents |
[edit] History
Monifieth is an ancient settlement, dating back to at least the 9th Century. Stones discovered at the burgh's St Rule's Church indicate that it was a Pictish centre of some importance. In the early eighteenth century the main industries included quarrying, weaving within the home and the start of manufacturing of linseed oil at a water powered mill by the Dighty burn, later named as Milton of Monifieth. Although Monifieth had no harbour a considerable amount of cargo from coastal vessels was off loaded on the sands at low tide and moved by horse drawn vehicles to nearby destinations. Until the 19th Century, Monifieth was a tiny village, but the rise of the local jute industry and the revival of the foundry, saw workers pouring into the town and the population grew from 558 in 1861 to 2,134 in 1901. In 1895 Monifieth was registered at Forfar Sheriff Court as a burgh. No longer did it hold village status. With the formation of a Council and Officials, it progressed into the next century as a very desirable place to live. A tramway service was introduced in 1905, with cars journeying into Dundee City centre at regular intervals. This service was welcomed by the many who travelled daily either from the Burgh into the City on business, or the many hundreds who commuted daily to work in the factories and mills. Moves were made by the council of Dundee to incorporate the burgh into Dundee's boundaries, partly due to its proximity to Dundee and it being seen as somewhat of a suburb of the city as well as the apparent affluence of the burgh. However, in 1913 a petition signed by the residents was presented before Parliament in London and successfully retained Monifieth's independence. However, government legislation meant that in 1975 Dundee become responsible for the Burgh of Monifieth, with the abandoning of all Monifieth Municipal Services.
In 1996, after Local government reorganisation, Monifeith became part of the Angus council area, after being part of Dundee District in the Tayside region for 21 years.
[edit] Monifieth Today
There is a non-24 hour Tesco store, several newsagents, B&B's and 3 nursing homes. Monifieth boasts one of the best links golf courses in the area which is used as an Open Championship qualifying course when the Open is at nearby Carnoustie Links. The local youth centre is also host to a vibrant local music scene in the town. 2006 has seen an expansion of housing to the North side of Monifieth, in part due to the upgrading of the Dundee to Arbroath road to "Dual Carriage" status providing better access to Dundee and Angus. The beach front has also been revitalised with a new Childrens Play Area and Skateboard bowl. Other local landmarks include, "Old Faithful", a bench that has been cherished by many generations over the years. The Seaway, a smoked sausage guru's and cheeseburger warlocks', is run by twins Bob and Joe - Joe wears a watch if you can't tell the difference.
[edit] Education
There are three schools in Monifieth: Grange Primary School, Seaview Primary School and Monifieth High School.