Close to my home town of Kirkcaldy in Scotland is the small coastal village of West Wemyss. According to the 2007 population estimate, the village has a population of 237. The village was granted burgh of barony status in 1511, bearing the name from the Wemyss family who lived in Wemyss Castle.

The early origins of West Wemyss lay in its harbour and in industrial development. Coal was mined in the area from the 1430s, and by the 1560s at least one pit was working out under the River Forth. Scotland’s first glassworks was also set up near here in 1600. It is said that the village acquired a tolbooth as early as 1511, but most of the building you see today was erected by David, 3rd Earl of Wemyss, in the early 1700s. This served as a meeting place, and also housed cells for miscreants.

Walking along the seafront path, which is part of the Fife Coastal Path, you can get some views of Wemyss Castle. Wemyss is an imposing castle sitting high atop cliffs with a view over the Firth of Forth. Two particular points of interest are that one of the towers from an earlier building has been re-used, first as a windmill and later as a dovecot. There is also an oval-shaped dungeon within the castle, connected to the building by a 30m zigzag passage. Wemyss castle was restored in the 1950s and remains a residence. Members of today’s Royal Family, including the Queen, have visited.

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Passionate Photographer …. Lost in Asia

Stuart Taylor of HighlanderImages Photography has been making images for over 30 years and can offer a diverse range of photo imaging services with a focus on Asia and a documentary/photojournalistic style. These services include planning and executing a photo shoot on location but importantly all the post-processing and image preparation needed for the specific finished media format required by the customer. Stuart’s experience and knowledge in all of these aspects make HighlanderImages Photography a one-stop-shop for a comprehensive and professional image production service.

Stuart can be available for a variety individual assignments or projects and he specialises in areas such as photojournalism, commercial, architectural, real estate, industrial, interior design, corporate, urbex, adventure, wilderness, and travel photography. 

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