The small burgh of Buckhaven on the northern shores of the Forth enjoys a stunning location looking out across the Forth Estuary, centrally placed within Fife.
Buckhaven was once a thriving fishing town (the second largest in Scotland) and a popular seaside resort until the late 1930\'s when the harbour was irreparably damaged and coal waste destroyed the beaches. Buckhaven's fishing village was torn down and replaced by soulless deck access housing in the 1960s and 70s - which has since been replacede again. The rail-link was closed and the local employment base suffered as first coal then oilrig fabrication in adjoining Methil ended. Buckhaven's retail heart has also shrunk to a pale shadow of its former self, unable to compete with shopping centres in neighbouring towns and the area is now officially a 'regeneration area' ranking high on the index of multiple deprivation.
Buckhaven's identity has also become blurred and diluted, merging with the rest of Levenmouth (including Methil and Leven), overshadowed by larger urban centres (Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes) within 10 miles and neglected by politicians and council. It feels like the end-of-the-line, and has outlived the town's motto 'carbone carbasoque' (by coal and by sail) but community groups believe the town has great potential to be reborn and revitalized but needs direction and guidance.
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