History
East Wemyss was traditionally one of several mining communities along the south coast of Fife. The pit was its main employer for many years until it was closed due to fire in 1967 which, resulted in the deaths of nine men. The mine has since been demolished. However, a memorial to the pit and the men who died has been erected.
This coastal area is known for its caves (the place-name derives from Gaelic uamh, 'cave'), and has the most grouping of caves in Northern Europe, with eleven being recorded, several of which contain Pictish incised carvings. The caves were documented by the Time Team in a programme first broadcast in February 2005. In April 2010, they became the subject of a short film, which can be viewed on the Fife Council website.
East Wemyss used to be a good spot for fishing although the construction of a sea wall has mainly stopped shore fishing. There are, however, still boat huts which many people use to fish the Firth of Forth. East Wemyss is also home to the ruins of MacDuff's Castle, home to the MacDuff Earls of Fife, the most powerful family in Fife during the Middle Ages. The town's most notable son is Jimmy Shand (1908-2000), the bandleader.
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