Star, Fife

Star (also known as Star of Markinch) is a small village in Fife, Scotland.

The name star derives from the old Norse word - "starr"- for the type of grass (sedge) that grows on boggy land. The area of land around the village has been and continues to be boggy with Star Moss, a raised bog to the north west of the village draining out to land to the north of the village. East of the village are two reservoirs, taking advantage of the already wet conditions. The boggy conditions attract thousands of overwintering greylag geese. Skeins of them can be seen flying over around the village from October until early May.

Both the Star Moss, and the nearby Carriston Reservoir are sites of special scientific interest.

History

Originally the village consisted of linen weavers' cottages, to support the large flax growing and linen weaving industry of Fife in the 17-1800s. These original cottages were usually of two rooms, one for the family to live in and one for the loom. There are also some original farm workers' cottages. These older cottages have been developed and extended but remain interesting and attractive.

To the north of the village are the notable old farms of Carriston (originally Carretstoun) and Pyeston which were originally "ferm touns" i.e. small clusters of habitation engaged in agriculture. Carriston Farm has a notable large house - originally built around 1700 it has a large Victorian extension and tower added on.

Pyeston farm house also dates to about 1700 though not as grand in design. An old "doocot" or dovecot(circa 1700) is located nearby - this would have supplied fresh meat in the winter for the inhabitants of Pyeston.

Star has continued expanding since the 1970s, with a current population of around 500. Most of the housing is strung out along the main road for over a mile with a several newer cul-de-sacs on either side. Most homes are single, or one and a half storey houses.

Location

Regarded generally as a quiet and fairly affluent village. Most inhabitants work in neighbouring towns within Fife or further afield in cities like Edinburgh, Dundee or Perth.

Star is located between Markinch and Kennoway. It benefits from views of the Lomond Hills to the west. It is fairly close to the A92 trunk road, and Markinch railway station on the east coast mainline is about six minutes by car. Edinburgh is about an hour away by car and St Andrews approximately thirty minutes.

Amenities

There are few amenities, "The Plough Inn" public house, Star Primary School and a community hall.

Star Primary School has benefited from the recent housing boost as it has been threatened with closure many times in the past. The primary school dates from 1816, with a later addition to the building.

Activities

The village is home to Star Hearts AFC who are one of the most successful amateur football clubs to come out of Fife. Founded in 1962 by the now club president David Leitch who at the time worked on Carriston Farm. They were the first Fife amateur club to win the Scottish Amateur cup in 1975 and are record 10-time winners of the Fife Amateur Cup. The club play at Treaton Park in Star.

Many groups such as The Youth Club, WRI, Bowls, Toddlers' Group and Machine Knitting Club make use of the community Hall.

Every year the village puts on a gala day which is attended by many residents. Gala day is followed by a week of other community events usually culminating in a Ceilidh in the village hall.

External links

* [http://scottwishart.co.uk/genealogy/thomson/index.html The Thomson Family of Star, Fife (1773 - 2007)]
* [http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/portal/page?_pageid=53,910305,53_910314&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&PA_CODE=329 Carriston reservoir SSSI (site code 329)]
* [http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/portal/page?_pageid=53,910305,53_910314&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&PA_CODE=1480 Star Moss SSSI (site code 1480)]
* [http://www.starhearts.bravehost.com/ Star Hearts AFC]
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