Administrative History

 Burntisland was created a Royal Burgh in 1541 by King James V (1513-1542) who recognised the usefulness of the harbour. In 1835 the Burgh set up a Police Commission under the terms of an 1833 act ( 3 & 4 Will. IV c. 46). The Police Commissioners were responsible for the cleansing, lighting, policing and public health of the Burgh. The main industries in the town were initially trade, fishing and the ferry. In the nineteenth century, Burntisland was the main port for the Fife coalfield until the opening of Methil Dock. Burntisland was the fourth largest Fife town in 1891, with a population of 4,993. In the twentieth century, Burntisland became a popular tourist resort. The main employers in the town were the Burntisland Shipbuilding Company (the shipyard closed in 1969) and the British Aluminium factory. Burntisland Town Council was abolished in 1975 under the Local government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c.65). Its powers were assumed by Fife Regional Council and Kirkcaldy District Council. These in turn were replaced by Fife Council in 1996 under the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c.39).