Dysart, Fife

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Pan Ha, Dysart

For other uses, see Dysart

Dysart is a small town in Fife, Scotland found on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. Once of some importance as a trading burgh (16th century), Dysart is now counted as part of Kirkcaldy – originally a separate burgh. John McDouall Stuart (1815–1866), the most famous of all Australia's inland explorers, and John Pitcairn (1722–1775), a British marine in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War, and J. R. Black (1826–1880), an early newspaper publisher in Japan and China, were born in the town. The house McDouall Stuart was born in is preserved as a museum by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).

The name Dysart comes from Old Irish díseart 'hermitage', itself derived from Latin desertum 'desert (ie unpopulated) place'. The site of the later town is said to have been a place of retreat for the Dark Age saint Fillan (Old Irish Fáelán), who flourished in the 8th century.

The town retains a number of historic buildings from the height of its prosperity in the 16th century, along with good examples of 17th and 18th century Scottish vernacular buildings. Many of these have been restored by the National Trust for Scotland (not open to the public), though the ancient buildings tend to be surrounded by modern ones erected with little reference to the ancient street plan. Major historic buildings include the tolbooth (town house), whose tower dates from 1576, and the old parish church. At one time one of Scotland's major burgh kirks, it is now unroofed and partly demolished, though its early 16th century tower, built in the form of a small defensive tower-house, remains. The picturesque old harbour, recently much improved by tasteful restoration, is a notable feature, partly hollowed out of the sandstone cliffs.

The recently refurbished Harbourmaster's House is occupied by Fife Coast & Countryside Trust's main headquarters. It has a cafe currently run by Fife Council. There is also an interactive media centre downstairs which will take you along Fife's coastal path and give you information about the surrounding areas.