The fabulous photograph above of the Lundin Links Hotel on the day of its official opening, was taken by Edinburgh photographer and portrait artist William Drummond Young. It features the guests that attended this fashionable gathering - some of which are listed below. The 29 June 1900 edition of 'Golf Illustrated' covered the opening and featured the above image. The hotel was very much linked to the Lundin Golf Club - built on the back of the success of the club, designed by architect Peter Henderson who was then Captain of the Golf Club and frequented by many golfers. In fact, it seemed to be sometimes referred to as the 'Golf Hotel' in its early days.

After a less-than-smooth period of construction (more on that here) the "distinctively modern" hotel replaced the old inn and had its grand opening on 24 May 1900 (Queen Victoria's 81st Birthday). 'Golf Illustrated' described how...

"Entrance is effected through a spacious hall with tiled floor, and a handsome, well-lighted staircase leads to the different flats. Off the landing on the main staircase is a billiard room with two tables. There are twenty bedrooms on the various floors. The whole building has been fitted up with electric light, the power being obtained from an oil engine of the latest type. The sanitary arrangements are of the most modern description."

The bunting and huge flags add a real sense of occasion and the guests all look very well turned out. There must have been many other photographs captured of this day. If you know of any, please do get in touch!

This website has previously covered John Wood and Wood's Hospital in Upper Largo. Perhaps lesser known is Wood's School.  Initially, in Drumeldrie and later in Newburn, this school was another legacy of John Wood's. Founded on 7th July 1659 by John Wood of Orkie (a descendant of Admiral Sir Andrew Wood), two years before his death, the grammar school was to provide free education to a maximum of six boys with the surname Wood on either their father or mother's side. The boys would be taken into the school at around the age of seven and kept to the age of 14 or 15, at which point they would be given one year's allowance to enable them to commence an honest trade. Education, board and clothing were all provided by the deed of mortification. The school also owned the Farm of Orkie in the Parish of Kettle, from which it received rent in the form of both produce (wheat, oats and barley) and money.

The notices below from the Fife Herald (30 Sep 1847 and 19 June 1856) show how places were advertised when vacancies arose. The head master in the mid-nineteenth century was Mr William Maxwell Wright, up until his death on 16 May 1848. He was described as "parochial teacher of Newburn and Master of Wood's School at Drumeldrie" although by this time to original Wood's Grammar School had amalgamated with the Parish School at Newburn. Some decades earlier the two schools had been joined such that one teacher served both - the combined school being in Newburn.

Following Mr Wright's death, the position of school master was advertised (see below from 28 Jun 1848 Aberdeen Press and Journal). Note the list of subjects taught and the substantial salary attached to the post. The eventual appointee was Mr John Brash, who was born in Mid Calder and taught in Forfarshire prior to coming to Fife. He remained in post until his death in 1862 at the age of 54.

On 2 April 1863 the Fife Herald reported on the election of a new school master. The successful candidate for this "very lucrative office" was Mr Frederick Roome Lumsden. He was chosen from a "great number of applicants, the emoluments of the situation being very attractive" - there were over eighty candidates. Edinburgh-born Lumsden came to Newburn from Ardrossan. He would prove to be an ideal choice - becoming a prominent local figure and filling the school master role for 44 years - more to follow on him.

The map above shows the close proximity of Drumeldrie in the lower left and Newburn to the top centre (with the school marked). The daily routine of the school bursars is detailed below, giving a real insight to the lives of the boys who attended Wood's School in the nineteenth century. This is an extract from the 1873 Commissioner's report on the school. The report also states that "the boys are treated as part and portion of the master's family".

This circa 1910 postcard image is labelled 'Mill Wynd, Lundin Links', although it shows only the start of the street named Mill Wynd. In the foreground, just right of centre (with the three upstairs windows) is 'Afton Cottage' (1 Mill Wynd). To the left of that, with its gable end in the centre foreground above is 'Leaside' - now 2 Largo Road. Behind that is the tall and more recently built 'Milburnlea', which at this time accommodated John Adam's painting and decorating business and Peter Smith's fruiterers at street level. On the far side of the burn, beyond that, is the long bakery building (shown in detail below).

The bakery was originally a brewery but at the time of this photograph it was David Watson's Keilside Bakery. The premises encompassed both the white coloured building and the building on its left with the sliding doors, which gave access for carts through a pend to the rear. As well as selling from the bakery shop, goods were taken from here by handcart and horse and cart (and later by van) to surrounding areas.

This particular postcard was sent to Mr Archibald A. Lawrie, c/o Societe des Pulpes, Viet Tri, Tonkin, Indo China (Vietnam) by his niece, who asks: "Do you recognise any place on the photo? I know you will." Mr Lawrie was a paper maker in Fife before going to overseas and working at the first industrial pulp making mill in Vietnam (an industry that continues there today). He returned to Scotland and died at 'Woodwell', Lundin Links in 1915, aged 51.

An interesting advert above for the Crusoe Hotel, dating back to 1973. Featured in the Scottish Tourist Board's 'East Central' guide, the ad seems to suggest that there is no need to go on a cruise when you can visit the Crusoe Hotel.

Although it sounds a bit corny, there's no denying the location is stunning, especially when tide is in. And given the buffeting that the building must have had over the decades, it has certainly stood the test of time. 

Read more about the origins of the building and the changes over the years.

John M. Fairlie came to Lundin Links station in October 1928, after five years at Aberfoyle station. He replaced Mr Henry Wilson who had been promoted to Oakley near Dunfermline after two years at Lundin Links. Mr Fairlie was born in 1869 in Killearn in Stirlingshire and was one of eight children. His father Archibald was a 'carrier' who delivered goods and was probably involved at the local railway station. By the age of 21, John had become a railway booking clerk in Glasgow. His work with the railways saw him move around over the years but Lundin Links was to be John Fairlie's last station. He retired in 1932 after 45 years service with the railways. His replacement at Lundin Links was female station master, Elizabeth Scott. Mr Fairlie's retirement spanned twenty years, until he died in 1952 at the age of 83.