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The seaside port developed along the mouth of the River Leven, in the County of Fife, in eastern Scotland. Stone Age Mesolithic people arrived here over 8,000 years ago. Around 6,000 years later, Gaelic-speaking Celts arrived and established a settlement. Historians estimate the first church in the community consisted of a cave or rock shelter used by St. Ethernanus in the 5th century. Eventually, an actual church structure developed and served what was known as the Scoyne or Scoone parish. A stone found in what some believe may have been an ancient cemetery, bears Pictish carvings, illustrating a cross on one side and hunting symbols on the other. The Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh now houses the relic. A village formed around this religious site. The Picts named the community and river Leven, meaning flood.
The Bishop gave the church and village to the Culdees in 1050, but by the end of the century, Bishop Robert acquired the properties because of decreasing faith among the people. In the mid 1400s, the village and harbour belonged to the Durie family, who owned an estate and maintained the harbour. The women of the Levynnis-mouth, as it was then called, earned an income by weaving cloth at home on handlooms. There were eventually well over 100 looms in Leven. Five mills developed, which wove flax and other cloth. Farming was a major economical mainstay. Coal and iron ore mining companies emerged. The small harbour, established in the 1600s, exported coal, cloth and iron, along with varying crops. The port also received imports, but was not used for fishing.
Brick and tile manufacturing began, along with papermaking industries. By 1854, railway service to Leven provided a link between Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The rail linked greatly influenced the beginning of a tourist trade. The community constructed a promenade along the harbour measuring over a mile in length. Amusements and entertainment facilities quickly lined the promenade. Hotels and inns developed, accommodating out of town guests. After the mining industry closed, an alcoholic beverage company and a distillery became major employers. In the last decade, a wind turbine factory developed in Leven.
Activities and Attractions
The Leven shoreline forms a crescent shaped area with a stretch of attractive sandy beaches. Visitors enjoy sunbathing while watching ships enter and exit the harbour. Many also indulge in boating and fishing activities. The extensive promenade features amusement arcades, children’s rides and a skateboard ramp. The area also offers a miniature golf course.
Visitors strolling up the coast find the Leven Golf course. Panoramic views from the facility include rolling hills and farmland, in addition to views over the Forth estuary. The course features 18 holes and the club welcomes visitors to enjoy the greens and partake in the hospitality offered at the clubhouse. The clubhouse has a fully stocked bar and catering capabilities.
Leven lies along the Fife Coastal Route having miles upon miles of trails for scenic walking pleasure. Biking paths pass through the community and travel onto neighbouring villages. The Leven Leisure Centre houses a swimming pool, sauna and spa, and state of the art exercise equipment. Visitors also have the opportunity to play racquetball, tennis and visit other sports related environments.
North of Leven, guests find the 14th century Kellie Castle. Once the home of King Robert’s youngest daughter, the five story, T-shaped fortress contains centuries of history. Visitors touring the facility see hand painted murals created by Dutch artists in the 1600s and one of the country’s oldest elaborate plaster ceilings in the library. The spacious castle rooms contain a variety of furnishings, paintings and wall décor. The historic kitchen now features a tearoom. The extensive grounds include nature walks past bird hides, a pond and into wooded areas. Journey through the array of formal and informal gardens and orchards having flowering, fruit and vegetable plantings. Explore the stables, which house an exhibit commemorating the life of Sir Robert Lorimer’s son, Hew Lorimer, a recognized Scottish sculpture. Robert Lorimer, an architect, created the summerhouse, which now contains a garden shop.
Places to Stay and Dining
Guests enjoy a pleasant stay at Leven hotels located on historic High Street. This location provides quick access to the harbour and attractions, conveniently within walking distance from the hotel. Many facilities offer special packages for golf enthusiasts.
Guests enjoy a relaxed dining experience in the modern atmosphere of the Agenda restaurant. Family favourites include Chillie Con Carne, served with rice and tortilla chips. Have a beef, chicken or veggie burger, served with coleslaw, salad and homemade chips.
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