Largo, Fife facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Largo |
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 Largo Law, a mile north of Upper Largo, highest point of parish |
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 Largo
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| Population | 2,524 |
| OS grid reference | NO4171402564 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Leven |
| Postcode district | KY8 |
| Dialling code | 01333 |
| Police | Fife |
| Fire | Fife |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Largo is a historic area in Fife, Scotland. It includes the villages of Upper Largo, also known as Kirkton of Largo, Lower Largo, and Lundin Links. This area stretches along Largo Bay on the coast. It also reaches a few miles inland towards the north of Fife.
Near the eastern side of Largo, you'll find a hill called Largo Law. It's 953 feet (290 meters) high. This cone-shaped hill was formed by a volcano long ago. From its top, you can see amazing views of the area. You can even see across the Firth of Forth to the Lothians. West of Largo Law, there's a deep valley. A small stream flows through it, cutting across the area from north to south for about 2 miles.
The name "Largo" comes from the Scottish Gaelic word Learg. This word means "hillside". It refers to the area being on the slopes of Largo Law. The original name was recorded as Leargach.
In 1817, a special collection of items was found here. It was called the Norrie's Law hoard. This hoard contained silver objects from Roman and Pictish times. Sadly, most of it was melted down for its silver. But the pieces that survived are now kept in the Museum of Scotland.
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Historic Buildings in Largo
Largo's Church and Manse
The main church for the Largo area is in Upper Largo. It was built in 1817. However, it still has some stone parts from an older church that was built in 1623. The manse, which is the house for the church minister, is next to the church. It was built between 1760 and 1770. It was made much bigger in 1822.
Largo House Estate
The Largo estate used to be the largest property in the area. It had a grand house called Largo House. This house was about a mile west of the church in Kirkton of Largo. In 1482, James III of Scotland gave the Barony of Largo to Sir Andrew Wood. He was a naval commander. This was to thank him for his victories against the English.
Sir Andrew Wood had a canal built from his mansion almost to the church. This meant he could travel by boat to church every Sunday! You can still see parts of this old canal behind the manse.
Largo House was built in 1750. Today, it is a ruin. During the Second World War, it was used as the main base for the Polish Parachute Brigade. In 1951, its roof was removed. This was done to avoid paying local property taxes.
Just west of Largo House, near Lundin Links, was Lundin House. This was the site of the Lundin estate. It began when Philip de Lundin was given a Barony by Malcolm IV of Scotland.
Villages and Population
In the northern part of Largo, you'll find New Gilston. This village is about 3 miles north of Upper Largo. It is surrounded by farmland. New Gilston is known for being the highest village in Fife where people live. The small village of Woodside is a short distance to the west.
The population of the Largo area has changed over time. In 1755, there were 1,396 people. By 1801, it grew to 1,867. In 1951, the population reached 2,500. The most recent count in 2011 showed a population of 2,524 people.
In Scotland, civil parishes used to be a type of local government. They were stopped in 1929. However, they are still used for things like counting people in a census. The Largo Area Community Council covers roughly the same area as the old Largo civil parish. It also includes Newburn to the east. The churches of Largo and Newburn are also linked together.
