Special Sub-Topic: Fife Click Here To Play: Fife

Which market town was the county town of Fife until local government reorganisation in 1974?

Cupar. Cupar has been a royal burgh since the 14th century and prospered as a market town and yarn spinning centre; nowadays it is mainly residential.

Which "new town" became the administrative headquarters of Fife in 1974?

Glenrothes. Glenrothes was established in 1949 as Scotland's second post-war new town (after East Kilbride).

Which Fife town was the capital city of Scotland for over 500 years?

Dunfermline. The "Auld Grey Town" was capital of Scotland between the 12th and 17th centuries.

The Scottish Fisheries Museum can be found in which Fife fishing village?

Anstruther. Anstruther, Crail, Pittenweem and St Monans can all be found in the "East Neuk", a string of coastal villages that stretch around 10 miles in the North East of the county.

The town of Kirkcaldy is an industrial centre synonymous with the manufacture of which product?

linoleum. Michael Nairn first erected a linoleum factory in the town in 1847, and floor-coverings are still manufactured in the town to this day.

Which Fife village has a palace constructed between 1500 and 1541?

Falkland. James IV began the construction of the palace in 1500 and it was finally completed 41 years later by James V. Mary Queen of Scots was among the monarchs who patronised it.

St Andrews is known around the world as the "home of golf". Which organisation based in the town is recognised as the ruling body of the sport?

Royal and Ancient Golf Club. The "R & A" have their clubhouse behind the 18th green of the famous "Old Course".

The Wemyss family were major landowners in Fife, deriving their enormous wealth from the mining of what?

coal. The coal industry was one of the largest employers in Fife until the Conservative government's programme of pit closures in the late 1980s decimated the industry. The Wemyss family still own Wemyss Castle, and three villages in Fife bear their name - East Wemyss, West Wemyss and Coaltown of Wemyss.

North East Fife is home to which large Royal Air Force base?

Leuchars. RAF Leuchars currently houses the 13 Tornado F3s of 43 Squadron and the 12 Tornado F3s of 111 Squadron.

According to the 2001 national census, what was the approximate population of Fife?

350,000. 349,429 to be exact, compared to just 95,488 in 1801.