Welcome to Buckhaven! We’re currently in the centre of the town in this wee park. Behind us, there’s Stuart’s the baker – pop in for a drink and a pie before you set off.
This spot was the original site of Buckhaven High School – the sign is still visible today. The school was closed and, after being in a number of other locations, the new Levenmouth Academy was built to replace it and combining a number of local high schools.
Explore the park and read the interpretation boards, then we’ll move on your our next point. We’ll be leaving the park through the main entrance in the corner of the park and heading over the road to the large church.
A Bronze Age burial site in Factory Road Suggests people have lived here for over 3,000 years. Buckhaven itself first appears in Scottish records in the 15th century and there are two versions of the town's origins. One, because the name comes from the Norse (buck, to roar and hyne, a haven) that it was settled by the Vikings in the ninth century. The other says Fleming refugees shipwrecked nearby while escaping religious persecution, settled here in the 16th century. In Bleau's Atlas of Scotland, 1654, the town is shown as "Buckheaven"; local residents have long referred to "Buckhyne".
As you go around the trail, tap the ‘previous’ and ‘next’ arrows to move between points. The picture at the top of the page is shows you where you should be.
If the map does not show your current position when you click “Show My Location” , check your phone browser setting and allow Location.
If there’s more than one of you with a smartphone, you can use the What3Words app to help you navigate. It’s free to download – type in the what3words location, tap “use compass” and it will help you find your way. Though remember, this will point to the exact location, not necessarily following the right path, so use the map on each page to help you.
