Time for a change?  Well, this is the view of Burntisland Heritage, the town’s very own heritage charity. Ian Archibald, Burntisland Heritage Convenor, explains: “We have an ideal opportunity now to tell another important chapter in the history of the town. The East of Scotland 4 mm Group, dedicated model railway engineers and enthusiasts, have created a unique working model of Burntisland Harbour, exactly as it was in1883”

The award-winning exhibition has toured throughout Britain and into Europe winning praise wherever it is shown. The design has been meticulously researched, providing an exact scale replica of the Harbour.

So why 1883? By this time the harbour was at the cutting-edge of Victorian technology. The world’s first roll-on roll-off ferry linked Burntisland to Edinburgh, carrying coals from the Fife coalfield to the hungry hearths of the capital city. Automated wagon hoists allowed coal trains to to be unloaded directly into the holds of waiting ships bound for destinations throughout the world, and a magnificent Roundhouse allowed railway engines to be serviced and turned. The Station House was the principal rail terminus for trains to and from the north, with travellers to and from Edinburgh embarking and disembarking steam powered paddle ferries that plied the Forth between Burntisland and Leith. 

“We are excited by the prospect of providing a permanent home to such an excellent exhibition” continues Ian “and we have committed to Fife Cultural Trust and Fife Council to seek the views of stakeholders and residents alike.”