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Glenrothes and Markinch

The new and the old: public art in Glenrothes and the 18th-century Markinch parish church

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Glenrothes is one of Scotland's post-Second World War New Towns and is presently the administrative capital of Fife.

The town was developed during the 1950s and '60s on the principle of satellite communities built around a main commercial and shopping centre. It has excellent recreational facilities, including various sports venues, parkland and two golf courses.

In recent years, Glenrothes has become a focus for electronics manufacturing, earning it the nickname 'Silicon Glen', after Silicon Valley in the USA.

Markinch lies a few miles east of Glenrothes and combines a historical setting with excellent access to modern amenities and a strong sense of community. St Drostan's Church is the focal point of town and the surrounding conservation area, centred on the 12th century church tower, has around two dozen listed buildings dating mainly from the late Georgian period.
Although a relatively small town, Markinch has two major parks within its boundaries: John Dixon Park provides children's all-weather play facilities and football pitches while Balbirnie Park is a unique facility containing bridle paths, picnic areas, caravan site, golf course, woodland walks and wildlife areas.

Every summer, Markinch Highland Games are held in John Dixon Park.