Crusoe’s Footsteps

Point 2

Time

1:00

Distance (m)

66

# Steps

86

Point 2

View of Viaduct, Crusoe and Pier and Fishing Boats Fishing in Largo 

Although fishing was an important part of Largo’s history, it was not the main occupation for most people in Largo.  At one time a dozen large deep-sea herring fishing boats were based in Largo Harbour but this ended in 1909 when the last survivor ‘Ocean Bride’ ceased to operate. Salmon fishing using stake nets out from the shore also flourished for a time, being active at several sites across Largo Bay during the 19th and 20th centuries.  

The fishing boats in the photo are clinker built inshore fishing boats circa mid-1900s. Nowadays the fishing is confined to creels catching crabs and lobster. 

pierrots
Largo Pier
A pavilion was put up seasonally on Largo Pier from around 1913. The Pier Committee funded the structure which acted as a stage for summer entertainers. The pavilion could be rented for the season and was very popular with locals and visitors alike. One of the most regular performing companies was 'O'Reilly's Vaudevillian Orchestra' who were in residence at Largo in 1925. By 1929 they were still around but known as 'O'Reilly's Hammer and Tongs’. The company provided a ventriloquist act, comedy, songs, sketches, dancing, and various musical items. The pavilion continued until the late 1930s.
train on viaduct
The Viaduct
The train line from Leven to Kilconquhar opened in August 1857 by the Leven and East of Fife Railway, John Wood being the engineer responsible for the construction of the viaduct. Extended to Anstruther in 1863, fishing communities in the East Neuk wanted to reap the commercial benefits a train line would bring to the area, The railway was accredited with the revitalising of Lower Largo. The fishing industry was expanding as a direct result of the catches being able to be sent to urban areas. Salmon was sent as far as London by train. Largo and Lundin Links were very popular holiday destinations after the First World War and in July 1935 it was reported that 5,000 holiday makers arrived in Largo by train. Local grocers could be heard drumming up business with the passengers. One holiday maker decided to save carrying her luggage she would throw her suitcase out of the train window as it passed by the garden of her holiday house. The railway line was closed due to the Beeching cuts. The final passenger service ran on 5th September 1965, with goods services ending in 1966.
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