FIFE - THE UNIQUE PART OF SCOTLAND THAT’S A KINGDOM!

Watch this video to learn about the historically important county of Scotland - Fife - that thinks it is a kingdom!
Fife is the home to many well-known towns and villages including St Andrews, Falkland and Culross.
It's a fantastic little county that has such a diverse character!

[@williamgeorgefraser]

I'm a Fifer, born in Dunfermline and proud of it. I remember taking the ferry from North to South Queensferry as a kid and later worked at the jetty when it became a yacht station. The most beautiful workplace in the world between the two bridges. Most videos on KZbin about Scottish history totally ignore the existence of Dunfermline so I can do nothing other than give you a big hug. It's an amazing town and has seen the birth of many important people in all walks of life.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Thank you, William. I remember the ferries between North and South Queensferry! Kind regards, Gordon

[@colinp2238]

Is there a regular rail link from Edinburgh please?

[@royrcf]

Excellent video, I was born in the Howe of Fife , educated in Fife, and went to work in Glenrothes New Town. As a boy we would get the ferry to Dundee or Edinburgh. I wish we had been taught more comprehensively about the history of Fife in school. Thank you for sharing.

[@laurianichols2436]

I just discovered that I am Scottish decent.Fife is one of the areas my ancestors come from.I wanted to know more.You have given me exactly what information I was hoping for.Thank You So much for the history lesson!

[@gordonsscotland8441]

My great pleasure, Lauria. Glad you found it useful. When things get back to normal you should try to visit Fife! Kind regards. Gordon

[@margm4]

Spent a week in Fife! About 30 years ago. Loved it...but their accent is the strongest I found☺️🇦🇺 Stayed at St Monans, oldest Kirk still standing and in use. Great memories of Culross, Dunfermline, St Andrews, Kirkcaldy...thanks for taking me back.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

My pleasure and glad you enjoyed it. There's so much history to see in Fife! Kind regards, Gordon

[@SissysMa]

This made me chuckle, our accent is unique for sure. Writing english is not a problem but speaking it however….well different story altogether 🙄😂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

[@jockwishart]

No been tae Dundee then 😂

[@oldskoolordie]

Shockin eh

[@amymatos8281]

Going to Fife in 2025,please excuse my American accent!

[@user-nc5tb5go3d]

Was on the ferry across the Tay many years ago, unfortunately my folks always took me on the train to Edinburgh from Dysart Station no longer there sadly. The crossing to Edinburgh over the Forth Railway bridge hag the throwing of a coin out of the window for luck. Happy memories I'm now 71 and still enjoying traveling both ways out of the kingdom.

[@lynjones3259]

Thank you Gordon that was very informative - know a lot more about beautiful Fife now!

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon

[@thevelointhevale1132]

Expat Fifer here with 11 generations of Fife born and bred ancestors dating back to the 1500's ... Dunfermline, Crossgates, Dalgety, Dysart, Aberdour, Kirkcaldy, Inverkeithing ... knowing what History my family lived through from the late 1500's ... what they witnessed, incredible and incredible pride too.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

I think all Fifers are incredibly proud of their kingdom! And quite rightly so! Kind regards, Gordon

[@josephhenry4725]

The train locomotive was recovered and used for years after. It was known by rail workers thereafter as the DIVER.

[@kadenelijah9329]

Fascinating stuff, thanks for another great video Gordon!

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Glad you're enjoying them, Kaden! Kind regards. Gordon

[@TehMegaSnakeFan]

As someone born in kirkcaldy, lived 17 years in glenrothes and 8 in methil, it's so weird to hear the names of these small relatively unimportant towns i've spent my whole life in being mentioned on the internet

[@gordonsscotland8441]

I think you underestimate Fife a wee bit, David. It has a lot of strengths! Kind regards, Gordon

[@martinanderson1995]

Each and every Fife pit was connected by rail to a specific major line that went from/to Leven and Methil docks to/from Charlestown dock. Currently the line that went from Leven to the main Thorton junction is being reinstalled after many years laying abandoned. I was researching a subject i am involved with and came across an ancient article written in the Old Fife language, even I found it difficult to understand. Today Fife's language is more "posh". I remember being hit on the head from my primary teacher say 66 years ago for saying 'I' instead of 'yes' with her saying 'speak english boy! If i were to speak like i did in my youth today, i wouldnt be understood. Today there is an explosion of house building all along the coastal towns of the Kingdom, all due to the new motorway bridge. There are hardly any indigenous Fifers today. Its mostly Glasswegin, Asians and Polish. Remember ' It takes a long spoon to sip with the Devil and a Fifer'. Translated into English so you will understand it. 😂

[@gordonsscotland8441]

That’s really interesting, Martin. There’s some great local dialects in Scotland. Good to keep them alive! Kind regards, Gordon

[@andrewiturnbull716]

I worked for Nairn and Williams for 4years left to work in the national steel foundry in Kirkland ,did my trade in Balfour leven as an iron moulder now I live in on canada

[@gordonsscotland8441]

I think Nairn's was the largest linoleum factory in the world at one point, Andrew! Kind regards, Gordon

[@monisafraser1969]

This was so informative and I learned so much about Fife. I cannot wait to go back to Scotland and visit Fife. The historic towns seems fascinating. Thank you!

[@gordonsscotland8441]

You'll love it, Monisa! Kind regards, Gordon

[@boydovens4180]

A big thank you Gordon really enjoyed your video on Fife, I remember when the opening of the Forth road bridge happened , my mother had us all sitting in front of the TV , the weather had other ideas , there was heavy fog , you could hardly see anything , the bridge replaced the ferries between North and South Queensferry , the ferries were called the Queens by name . The road bridge was a big deal then by opening up the Lothian side to Fife, I remember my lecturer talking about the Longanet power station which was built on the fife side had a much bigger power output value compared to standard stations , this was to supply a demand for energy from factories and industries that was expect to be built in Fife . There is a real beauty to Fife if you find it , enjoy it .

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Thanks very much for this, glad you enjoyed it. I was taken, as a small boy, by my parents to see the wonder that was the Forth Road Bridge. We had previously used the ferries which often had huge long queues. The bridge revolutionised the economy of Fife! Kind regards, Gordon

[@TheJollyReiver]

Just found your channel. Great stuff fella, been watching a few of your vids now. Keep it up! Regards from Northumberland.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Thanks very much, glad you're finding them of interest! Kind regards. Gordon

[@user-nc5tb5go3d]

Remember also the bridge at Kincardine which was opened I think in 1952.

[@Ullebulli]

I love the way you tell us about Scotish history! I've let an abo there. All the best for you from Berlin, Germany!

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Glad you enjoy the videos, Ulf. Kind regards to you and all our German friends! Kind regards, Gordon

[@anthonymilner1851]

Excellent & informative video, thank you! All my maternal side were from St. Andrews, Fishers, Gordons & Chisholms. I spent many holidays there, exploring the town, swimming and in later holidays golfing, sadly not on the Old Course, but the Eden & Jubilee courses. Some of my family still live in the 'Old Grey City by the Sea'. The Kingdom is a lovely place to visit, especially the wee villages / towns along the coastline, much to be recommended!

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Well said, Anthony! Kind regards, Gordon

[@gloriajones909]

Very interesting and informative. Thank you so much. Gloria

[@gordonsscotland8441]

My pleasure, Gloria, glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon

[@thomashoulihan5552]

My maw was near Culruss as it was called low valley her brother worked in valley pit and moved to high valley field and in the woods there was a bit called the lost gardens

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Culross is a beautiful wee place, Thomas! Kind regards, Gordon

[@petertodd1726]

Gordon, thanks for your video - have been trying to find out more about Fife and your video was very helpful. My great grandfather and two of his brothers emigrated to Australia in the 1880's. My great grandfather was a coach builder from Kirkcaldy. He was one of a family of eight children, some of whom I have been able to find some more information, some not. This family of David Todd and Cecilia (nee Greig) lived in High Street, Kirkcaldy with their eight children in 1871. All the best and look forward to watching some of your other videos.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Glad you enjoyed them, Peter. Good luck with your family research! Kind regards, Gordon

[@Angel200929]

Fife's Dysart Harbour house and harbour is in the Outlanders too

[@charleneransome4050]

Good Evening Gordon.. Thank You Thank You .. I Pray You and The Family are well. I just watched The Video of The Kingdom of Fife . Skara Brae and a few more. Love the way You present and tell The amazing History .I am Proud to say My Grans were born and lived in Fineckty (Findocthy) . Culross, Rathven . All very Beautiful Coastal Villages. But even more amazing then that are the Incredible People with Big Hearts. Looking forward to a future Video of these Villages. Oh Yes I also have Lineage to Cardinal Donald Bethune Beaton.. Patiently saving my Pennies for a future prolonged visit.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Glad you're enjoying the videos, Charlene! If you haven't already done so, you must visit Culross, its a real wee gem of a place. have a look on my FB page and you should see a post about it! Kind regards, Gordon

[@Marshallscott38]

Great Video, Thank you, I’m from the Scott’s of Fife, thank you again for the history.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

My pleasure, Marshall. Glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards, Gordon

[@vivianmarkovich115]

Hello Gordon and thank you for an informative and entertaining video. You mention doing a later video specifically about the East Neuk. If you have not yet done so (I couldn’t find one) … could you please do so?

[@gordonsscotland8441]

I will certainly try my best, Vivian! We leave tomorrow for a wee four day break in the East Neuk with our young grandson. I'll be on a beautiful beach every day with him, and loving it! Kind regards, Gordon

[@lornaallan6993]

I was born and brought up in Glenrothes not long just moved to Coaltown of balgonie. Brilliant video

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Glad you enjoyed it, Lorna! Kind regards, Gordon

[@user-nc5tb5go3d]

Kirkcaldy floored the world.

[@beatlebomber]

My great grandad is from Cowdenbeath, Fife.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Excellent! Kind regards, Gordon

[@robertpearson8798]

Interesting, thank you. I discovered when doing genealogy that my paternal (Pearson) line came from Fife to Canada in the 1850’s. Some place names include Wormit, Leuchars, Kilmany and Ferryport-on-Craig. Records indicate that in the 1840’s they were living on Newton Farm as agricultural labourers, an estate run by an Alexander Russell for the Earl of Zetland.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Very interesting, thank you! Kind regards, Gordon

[@i-am-vonnegut]

Thers a joke of a saying from the other counties close by to Fife..... I would rather be a lifer than a Fifer. I would rathe spend my life bangrd up than a life in Fife. Makes me smile.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Yes, there are a few jokes about Fife! It is quite an astonishing county (or 'Kingdom' as the Fifers prefer!) with such diverse agriculture, industry, scenery and cultures. I love visiting it! Kind regards, Gordon

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Could`nt help noticing the "Kingdom of 'Fife' is just up the coast from The firth of 'Fourth.' lol. Thanks once more for a very interesting piece of Scottish history.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

My pleasure, Charles, glad you enjoyed it. Kind regards, Gordon

[@mikeherren5604]

Gordon I wanted wish you and your family and Merry Christmas and blessed new year for you and your family. A special thankyou to you for graciously sharing all the wonderful history of your homeland which I love. Looking forward to more this new year.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Thanks very much, Mike! I hope you had a lovely Christmas and all the best for 2021! Kind regards, Gordon

[@pascalswager9100]

Just found out My bloodline is from Fife! I live in Sydney, Australia My Dad was adopted, My Brother did Our DNA ancestry thingy for My 40th birthday and We are mostly Scottish from Angus, Fife and Banff 😁

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Very nice parts of Scotland. Try and come and visit! Kind regards, Gordon

[@haleydoe2279]

I have had such a frustrating time charting my family's roots from this area. It is the same 5 names going back generations. My 3rd great grandfather, William Wallace Chalmers, was the first born in America in 1839. I hadn't realized how popular George, William, Henry, Robert, and Alexander were. Janet and Euphemia also!

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Yes, all popular names, Haley. To make matters worse, in days gone past in Scotland if a child died young sometimes a later child would be given the same name. Most confusing! Kind regards, Gordon

[@WhiteHorseOfKilburn]

Most interesting upload, my ancestors are from largo :)

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Lovely place! Kind regards, Gordon

[@haroldgodwinson832]

I'm an Aitchison, my people are a sept of Clan Gordon, and come from Fife; a place that I now discover to be widely regarded as the literal 'ends of the Earth'. This is not encouraging! 😄

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Well to ‘Fifers’, Harold, Fife is the centre of the universe! Kind regards, Gordon

[@buzzkill808raven2]

Supposedly my family name is from there...Philp! I live in Canada and there are 30 million people but only about 30 Philp folk!

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Makes you quite unique! It is a well known name here in Scotland, my wife has a Philp friend! Kind regards, Gordon

[@geoffdundee]

Sir Thomas Bouch was the designer of the first rail bridge over the tay that fell down...........this is where the saying "boched job" comes from (bouched job)...........he had also designed a suspension rail bridge to go over the forth but it was cancelled after the tay disaster however work had started and one pier remains in the forth........subsequently the forth rail bridge completed in 1890 we have now replaced bouch,s design (thankfully)

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Very interesting, Geoff, thanks for sharing! Kind regards, Gordon

[@tonyd3266]

Is there a connection between the Culdees and St. Andrews ? MacDuff Cross ?

[@gordonsscotland8441]

There is a Culdee Chapel to the north-east of the ruined St Andrews Cathedral, Tony, so they obviously had influence there although by the end of the 13th century I think they had been pretty much sidelined. The remains of the MacDuff Cross stands on an old boundary line in Fife and crossing it could provide members of Clan MacDuff with sanctuary. I think it dated back to when parts of Fife were in the Sheriffdom of MacDuff. Kind regards, Gordon

[@tonyd3266]

@@gordonsscotland8441 Fascinating ! Ive wondered about any late, local, or early stories of MacDuff members using the sanctuary defense successfully or unsuccessfully (besides Duncan). One book about Early Celtic Christians listed Abernethy (perthKR) as a Culdees connection too, but I havent seen it yet - ruins? Thank you so much for this video, your time, and your response! Kind regards, Tony

[@docgreenbud794]

Hi Gordon, I’m from Kirkcaldy which could be the kirk of the culdee.

[@waiata216]

wonder whyt here were no photos of Fife or any interviews wth people who lve in fife.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

A lot of my earlier videos were done during lockdown periods, Wayne, when we weren't allowed out to travel. Have been over to Fife on many occasions recently, though! Kind regards, Gordon

[@colinp2238]

Good evening Gordon. I am visiting Edinburgh for a week at the end of this month and I am looking for places to visit. In another video you mentioned a small distillery near the city and said it is a good place to visit. Unfortunately, I didn't make a note of it and as I'm new to the channel I am binge watching and it would take me ages to look through every one. I was wondering if you could tell me the name and location of the distillery please, so that I can do some research, before going to Auld Reekie? I am an Anglo-Scot, first generation born in England, to a family from Inverness, so I decribe myself as a Sassenach from a long line of Teuchter, even if Paterson is more common as a Lowland name. I am a member of the London Caledonian Society, the reason for my visit and to take a holiday away from London.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Hi Colin. So sorry for the delay in replying, been up to my eyes with things! The distillery I was probably talking about was Glenkinchie Distillery which is near the village of Pencaitland in East Lothian. Not far from Edinburgh. It's a lovely distillery, in a lovely setting and easy to get to. It's also a lovely whisky! Hope you have a great holiday in Edinburgh - try and visit the Johnnie Walker Experience at the west end of Princes Street. Its great! Kind regards, Gordon

[@colinp2238]

@Gordon's Scotland Thanks, Gordon. I'm back home now, so I will probably do that next year. I went to the Holyrood Distillery. It was a short bus ride from the place where I stayed, Marshall, Dalkeith Road. I go to Edinburgh every year for a lunch meeting at the New Club, Princes Street, for the London Caledonian Society.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Colin, apologies for being so late with my reply. Holyrood Distillery is very good, I hope you enjoyed the visit. I went there shortly after it opened. It's great to see new innovation and new blood coming into the whisky industry. I'm sure you must enjoy your annual lunch in the New Club, lovely place! Kind regards, Gordon

[@colinp2238]

@Gordon's Scotland Holyrood will be selling whisky in October for the first time, as it will have .atured for the three year minimum period.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

@@colinp2238 That’s great to know, Colin. I must try and get a bottle! Kind regards, Gordon

[@ayescot]

Hi Gordon, Thanks for the videos really love them 45miles by 20 miles is a good rough estimate but 45x20=900 so 900 square miles not 500 Aw ra bess

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Thanks. The measurements 45 miles x 20 miles refers to the maximum width and depth, but as these will vary across the length of the county we cannot just multiply the two to get the area. The actual area of Fife is around about 500 sq m. Kind regards, Gordon

[@RichFife]

Fifes need to go back to their Righful Kingdom and make it Great! 😍

[@gordonsscotland8441]

I am sure the Kingdom will always survive! Kind regards, Gordon

[@RichFife]

@gordonsscotland8441 To a degree, I agree. Though, it is my opinion that the Fife bloodline should regain their Kingdom and Safe guard it from the Modern World chaos. On a side note: I love you channel. Great Job and Thank You for taking the time to educate the masses that listen.

[@weepair2]

Culross would still be be unknown had it not been chosen as a backdrop for a mediocre television show. The further East you go in Fife, the better it gets.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

A wee bit harsh in your assessment of Outlander, Ricky! I think the really interesting aspect of Culross is that it had its heyday, and was then bypassed by history for hundreds of years, leaving a lovely wee gem for us to enjoy nowadays! Kind regards, Gordon

[@weepair2]

@@gordonsscotland8441 I'll give you that Gordon, however, Culross might be a wee gem but the East Neuk is the Jewel in the Crown. It's a string of picturesque fishing villages with quaint pubs and overpriced houses.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Totally agree, Ricky. I’m a huge fan of the lovely East Neuk of Fife! Kind regards, Gordon

[@andrewiturnbull716]

Yes they called it the diver after the engine was recovered don't forget leven

[@gordonsscotland8441]

A fine town, Leven, Andrew. Many bottles of whisky (and other spirits) emanate from there! Kind regards, Gordon

[@dxfoolrf227]

My Mother’s Mother’s people came from Fife to America in the 1600’s.

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Quiet a journey in those days! Kind regards, Gordon

[@reginawade7370]

I traced family ancestors to Fife Torryburn to be exact. Also Dumfermline Fife also .

[@gordonsscotland8441]

Well you're definitely a 'Fifer' then Regina! Kind regards, Gordon

[@reginawade7370]

@@gordonsscotland8441 my Grandmother told me of our ancestors in Scotland. I would sit and listen to her stories as a young kid and even as I grew up .

[@gordonsscotland8441]

That’s nice!

[@reginawade7370]

@@gordonsscotland8441 I just recently also found out related to the McDonald clan as well .

[@user-nc5tb5go3d]

Pan ha in Dysart.

[@fishinwidow35]

My Browns are from Fife

[@gordonsscotland8441]

You should try and visit, if you haven't already done so, Gerry! Kind regards, Gordon

[@kurtbogle2973]

A King is nothing more than the highest order of welfare..

[@colinmcgregor123]

Is it a kingdom now or is it a repulse part of Scotland,