St Monans

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St Monans (west end of harbour)

St Monans is a town in the East Neuk of Fife named for the legendary saint Monan. Situated approximately 3 miles west of Anstruther, this small picturesque fishing community rests on a hill overlooking the Firth of Forth Estuary, with views over to North Berwick, the Bass Rock and the Isle of May. St Monans contains many historical buildings, most notably the now defunct Windmill that once powered a salt-panning industry, and a 14th century church that sits on the jagged cliffs above the water on the western side. Approximately 1/2 mile west of St Monans, are the remains of the once great Newark Castle, a 16th century manor that has since fallen to ruin through cliff erosion and disrepair. In 2002 with the permission of Historic Scotland, an attempt to restore the castle was made however for whatever reason was unsuccessful (if anyone knows why please feel free to add that in).

[edit] Parish Church

St Monans church is situated within its kirkyard just to the west of the village on the very edge of the sea. It is indeed said to be the church nearest the sea in the whole of Scotland. The church, one of the finest remaining from the Middle Ages in Scotland, was built by King David II Bruce (1329-71), initially for a small house of Dominican Friars. It later became the Church of Scotland parish church. Though the church may never have been finished (it lacks a nave), it has many features of architectural interest, notably the fine stone vaulting in the choir and the simple but handsome sedilia. White-washed throughout internally, the church is particularly light and attractive among ancient Scottish churches.

St Monans Parish Church is also linked with Largoward Parish Church. The current minister (of both parish churches) is the Revd Dr Donald MacEwen.

[edit] Businesses

St Monans is home to many businesses, of which fish merchants and fish-smokehouses are most abundant, however you will also find Miller Ship Chandlers who have a large grey workshop sitting on the harbour, The Seafood Restaurant, The Mayview Hotel, a selection of convenience stores and an internet cafe, the East Neuk Veterinary Clinic and there are one or two driving schools based in St Monans too. There is also a caravan park which attracts many visitors, largely from the west coast of Scotland, a tradition that has stuck since the days of the railway line.

In fact in the Industrial Estate at the entrance to St Monans, you will find the remains of the old train station, a relic of the old East Neuk Katsy Rail Line that was shut down in the 1960's after the Beeching cuts. All that remains to be seen is the south platform which is overgrown with grass, however a little along from that is the station master's house, now a private residence which stands out from all the other buildings in the vicinity because it is the only one of its era.