Methil
| Methil | |
 Number 3 dock at Methil Docks |
|
  Methil |
|
| Population | 11,000 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | NT365995 |
| – Edinburgh | 45 miles (72 km) |
| Council area | Fife |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Leven |
| Postcode district | KY8 |
| Dialling code | 01333 |
| Police | Scottish |
| Fire | Scottish |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament | Glenrothes |
| Scottish Parliament | Kirkcaldy |
Coordinates: 56°11′04″N 3°01′20″W / 56.1844°N 3.0223°W
Methil is an eastern coastal town in Scotland. It was part of the former Burgh of Buckhaven and Methil. It lies within a continuous urban area described as Levenmouth.
Methil lies geographically between Largo bay to the east and Wemyss Bay to the west. Previously an industrial maritime powerhouse of the region, it is now redirecting itself towards a green energy future. One boundary delineating Methil from its adjacent towns is the River Leven.
Overview
Immediately adjacent to the mouth of the river was Methil power station, demolished in 2011 due to concerns about its dangerous proximity to the water's edge. However, one of the energy-producing wind turbines planned for the area might provide an alternative visual reference point, both from the Firth of Forth and from inland approaches to Methil, replacing the powers station's chimney.
Also nearby the mouth of the river is Bayview Stadium, home to league 2 side East Fife Football Club.
There is not a beach area between Methil and the sea, but there is a wall which protects the redeveloping docklands area. This redevelopment is reducing the physical size of the Methil Docks, but is liable to enhance the importance of the docklands in its more modern role.
Facilities
Methil Docks was particularly significant during World War II for the movement of coal and other resources. The power station and docks were at that time serviced by railway companies. Now there are plans to reopen one of the railway lines, which will undoubtedly help both trade and improve public transport, including tourism for the whole area. The "Hydrogen Office" based in the docks aims to demonstrate the benefits of improved energy efficiency and renewable and hydrogen energy systems.[1]
Kirkland High School and Community College is a secondary education and combined education college. Primary schools in the area include Denbeath Primary, Aberhill Primary and Methilhill Primary.
Local politics is controlled by Fife Council although there is interest being shown by some people in redeveloping more locally centred councils. Methilhill had a Community Council for a period of time, although it is not currently active.
There is a committee of Fife councillors elected to represent the area described by Fife Council as "Levenmouth" (which includes Methil and other nearby towns – although the description "Levenmouth" does not have a historical or otherwise substantive 'raison d'etre' as a nomenclature, it does provide for political expediency and accords favourably with current local civil service ease of operation).
References
External links
- Old Methil cinicam footage on youtube SQ2009
- The History of Methil
- Methil Heritage Centre: Local history museum and exhibition venue
- Buckhaven & Methil Miners' Brass Band