St Monans
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St Monans is a town in the East Neuk of Fife named after 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 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 ½ 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 unsuccessful attempt to restore the castle was made.
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[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.
Major restoration to the windows and masonry was completed in March 2007. The church is open to visitors daily from April - October.
St Monans Parish Church is linked with Largoward Parish Church. The current minister of both parish churches is the Revd Dr Donald MacEwan.
[edit] Businesses
St Monans is home to many businesses, of which fish merchants and fish-smokehouses are most abundant as the majority of people are on benefits. However there are also Miller Ship Chandlers which has a large grey workshop sitting on the harbour, The Seafood Restaurant, The Mayview Hotel, a selection of convenience stores, an internet cafe, the East Neuk Veterinary Clinic and one or two driving schools based in St Monans too. A community cafe, the Harbour Houwff, opened in April 2007. 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, are the remains of the old train station, a relic of the old East Neuk Katsy Rail Line that was shut down in the 1960s after the Beeching cuts. All that remains 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.
[edit] History
The author Christopher Rush grew up in this village. His beautifully-written autobiography "Hellfire and Herrings" describes the community as seen by a small boy and as recounted by his grandfather.
