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The ancient fishing village of Lower Largo is best known for its stunning beach - and as the birthplace of the 17th century sailor, Alexander Selkirk, who inspired Daniel Defoe to write Robinson Crusoe. Today, Fife’s desert island castaway is commemorated by a life-size statue standing over the front door of the cottage on the site of his home, where he scans the horizon for his rescuers.

The village centre has little changed since the 1850s, when the arrival of the railway signalled the start of Lower Largo’s role as a tourist destination.  However, although the Victorian visitors who holidayed in Lower Largo were captivated by the stunning sands of Largo Bay, fishing remained one of the village’s main industries.

In the mid-19th century, over 40 herring boats were berthed at Lower Largo Harbour, coal from the Fife mines was loaded onto ships at the harbour’s pier and there was a regular ferry across the Forth to Newhaven. Today, Lower Largo Harbour is popular with pleasure craft sailors and is an excellent starting point for walkers undertaking a section (or two) of the Fife Coastal Path.

Over the years, Lower Largo’s spectacular views across the Forth Estuary and laid-back atmosphere have made this waterfront village a magnet for artists. Every July, Largo Arts Week celebrates the creativity of the surrounding area, with open studios, art exhibitions and music.

 

 

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