St Monans

St Monans is a village in the East Neuk of Fife and is named after the legendary Saint Monan. Situated approximately 3 miles west of Anstruther, this small picturesque community, whose inhabitants formerly made their living mainly from fishing, is now both a tourist destination situated on the Fife Coastal Walk, and a close knit community with much vitality and vibrancy. The former burgh rests on a hill overlooking the Firth of Forth, with views to North Berwick, the Bass Rock and the Isle of May. St Monans contains many historical buildings, most notably the now defunct windmill (which can be visited) that once powered a salt-panning industry, and a 14th century church that sits on the rocks above the water on the western side. Approximately ½ mile west of St Monans are the remains of the once great Newark Castle, a 16th century manor that has since fallen to ruin through cliff erosion and disrepair. In 2002, with the permission of Historic Scotland, an unsuccessful attempt to restore the castle was made.

Parish church

St Monans Church is situated within its kirkyard just to the west of the village on the very edge of the sea. It is indeed said to be the church nearest the sea in the whole of Scotland. The church, one of the finest remaining from the Middle Ages in Scotland, was built by King David II Bruce (1329-71), initially for a small house of Dominican friars. It later became the Church of Scotland parish church. Though the church may never have been finished (it lacks a nave), it has many features of architectural interest, notably the fine stone vaulting in the choir and the simple but handsome "sedilia". White-washed throughout internally, the church is particularly light and attractive among ancient Scottish churches.

Major restoration to the windows and masonry was completed in March 2007. The church is open to visitors daily from April - October.

St Monans Parish Church is linked with Largoward Parish Church. The current minister of both parish churches is the Revd Dr Donald MacEwan.

hops, Hotels, Cafés and Businesses

St Monans is home to a number of shops and businesses, including fish merchants and a fish-smokehouse.However the tradition of ship-building has unfortunately ceased, at least for the time being. There is a fine Seafood Restaurant,and the Mayview Hotel has a popular bar and restaurant, St Monans has a selection of convenience stores. The East Neuk Veterinary Clinic and one or two driving schools are also based in St Monans too. A friendly community cafe, the Harbour Howff, opened in April 2007. The newest addition to the village is Feather Your Nest, a beautiful gift and home wares shop right next door to the cafe. There is also a caravan park which attracts many visitors, largely from the west coast of Scotland, a tradition that has stuck since the days of the railway line.

In fact, in the industrial estate at the entrance to St Monans, are the remains of the old train station, a relic of the old East Neuk Katsy Rail Line that was shut down in the 1960s after the Beeching cuts. All that remains is the south platform which is overgrown with grass. However a little along from that is the station master's house, now a private residence, which stands out from all the other buildings in the vicinity because it is the only one of its era.

History

The author Christopher Rush grew up in this village. His beautifully-written autobiography "Hellfire and Herrings" describes the community as seen by a small boy and as recounted by his grandfather.

External links

* http://www.stmonans.org.uk/
* http://www.eastneukwide.co.uk/tourist/st-monans.html
* http://www.electricscotland.com/history/eastneuk9.htm