Pitlessie


Pitlessie is a small village in Cults, Fife, Scotland. It is roughly southwest of the nearest large town, Cupar, and north of Edinburgh. It had an estimated population of 325 in 2010.

History

As the only village in the parish of Cults, it remained fairly small until it became the home of the Priestfield Maltings. Built in 1890, by James Martin of Priestfield, the maltings were acquired by the Bonthrone family in 1937, owners of similar businesses in the area. It once produced over 2,000 tonnes of malt and employed 14 men. Production remained in action until 1968 when the owners at that time, Scottish Malt Distillers, changed strategies. The category B listed building has since been converted into housing.

Culture

The Pitlessie :Category:Flower shows|Flower Show is a yearly event which takes place in the late summer. Originally an evening show ran by the Highland Games Committee, the show hosts many competitions for locals and those from afar of all ages, and is funded through the support of those in the local community.

Landmarks

The Sir David Wilkie Memorial Hall was constructed in 1897 in the style of a Georgian Chapel. Outside it is a war memorial to the men in the parish who were killed in the world wars. The Pitlessie Public Park was opened in 1900, on land gifted to the Parish Council by the Laird of Priestfield.

Education

Pitlessie Primary School, founded in 1860, serves Pitlessie, the parish of Cults and a portion of the Howe of Fife. The school, along with Craigrothie Primary, is led by Tamsin Frost and is attended by a single class of under 20 pupils. Secondary school aged pupils attend the nearby Bell Baxter High School in Cupar.

Notable Residents

The village was the birthplace of artist David Wilkie who also attended school in the village, son to the parish minister. After returning from the Trustees' Academy in 1804, in one of his earliest works, he depicted the scenes of Pitlessie Fair which included many of his family members and neighbours. A large reproduction of this painting now hangs above the stage in the Sir David Wilkie Memorial Hall, which was built in his memory.