Last year, this blog ran a series of posts covering the history of Largo Baptist Church. At the time, the church was out of use and its future seemed uncertain. Since then, an exciting new chapter has begun for this 1867 building. So now, let's bring the story of Largo Baptist Church right up-to-date, and introduce those of you that don't already know about it to - The Aurrie!

First, a quick recap on the story of the church from its eighteenth century origins until its final days as a place of worship - click the links below to view the earlier posts:

lundinlinks.weebly.com/blog/largo-baptist-church-beginnings
lundinlinks.weebly.com/blog/largo-baptist-church-part-2
​https://lundinlinks.weebly.com/blog/largo-baptist-church-part-3
lundinlinks.weebly.com/blog/largo-baptist-church-part-4

In December 2020, it was formally announced that the Largo Baptist Church building had been secured as an arts venue and café. Carol and Andy Duff had purchased the building from the Baptist Union of Scotland in order for it to be used for the benefit of the community. The building was renamed "The Aurrie" which is the old Scots name for "area" and is regarded as the root of the many spellings of the slipway road adjacent which runs down to the beach. Over the years this space has been used for various purposes (including boat storage and car parking) and has been referred to as the Orry, Orra, Orrie and Awry, among other things. Given the range of spellings over time, it feels appropriate that this building references the original auld Scots word "Aurrie" from which all the variations of spelling stemmed. 

Located at 68 Main Street Lower Largo, a stone's throw away from the beach, the century and a half old building is flourishing in its new guise. Having undergone essential repairs and a facelift inside and out, the place looks fresh and inviting. The interior has been painted in shades of green, complimenting the beautiful stained-glass windows. Even the chairs echo the green, red, black and white of the window hues. Opened on 17 July 2021, just in time for Largo Arts Week, the venue couldn't have launched at a busier time in the village and was able to host live music within days of opening. 

While Andy and Carol are still involved in projects, the day to day running is now down to Helen Ross and David Peacock. They are keen to grow their range of quality and Scottish/Irish inspired fare started at Lily’s Larder. Helen and David are both committed to the community aspects through supporting local artists and hosting events at The Aurrie. “We see this as just the start of what can be an amazing asset for locals and grow Lower Largo as a destination for visitors” said David.

It's such a transformation from the days of pews packed with churchgoers, of sermons from the pulpit and hymn-singing. Yet, the re-invented space will still host groups of people, talks, music, social occasions and much more - providing the community with a service of a different kind. Gone may be the days such as the one below from circa 1980 when the Fife Baptist Woman's Auxiliary met in the church, during the tenure of the Reverend Joseph K. Campbell (Photo courtesy of Barbara Yardley).
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The above image appears in the book 'Largo - An Illustrated History' by Eric Eunson and John Band and shows Walter Horne (on the far right) and the local team of joiners that worked with him. They are standing in front of their workshop, which was originally the panhouse of the former salt works at Drummochy.

In an effort to establish who the other individuals in the photograph are, I ran a search on the 1901 census for Largo Parish on the keyword 'Joiner' and found a number of candidates. Ruling out the retired joiners, joiners working on outlying areas such as New Gilston or Woodside and those based in Kirkton of Largo (such as Agnew Broomfield), there is a short list of 24 men and boys. Mostly living in Lower Largo. So the list below offers potential matches for those in the image. Certainly some of those on the list will be in the picture (most probably some of the other Hornes listed). If you think you can identify any matches - please leave a comment.

Walter Horne was still noted as the proprietor of the Drummochy workshop in the 1940 Valuation Roll. He died in 1941 at the age of 77, however, 'Walter Horne and Son Joiners' were still listed as proprietors in 1950. Meanwhile, ​Alexander Gillies Tait, son of joiner David Tait (and an apprentice joiner at the time of the 1901 census above), went to on become a master joiner and also had a Joiner's Shop at Drummochy for many years. When Alex Tait turned aged 70, he was obliged to place an advert in the 5 December 1956 Leven Mail, following rumours of his retirement (see below). The workshop building (seen from a different perspective in another HES image below) survived until the late 1960s before being demolished and the site rebuilt upon. Alex Tait died in 1970, aged 84, having provided joinery services in Largo since his mid-teens.

As a follow-on from the previous post about the Port of Drummochie, and the heyday of the salt pans there, we can look in more detail at the visible evidence of the old structures around this area. First, for context, a map comparison (above) of Drummochy in 1964 (top) and a feuing plan of the same area from around 1840. Numbered on both maps are:

1. The site of the former Emsdorf School;
2. The Salt Panhouse on the 'Panbraes';
3. Drum Lodge;
4. Salt Girnel (later known as Net House).

These landmarks and others are also annotated on the map below of Drummochy Salt Works from the book 'Largo - An Illustrated History' by Eric Eunson and John Band. This also shows how the pair of skerries of rock directly in front of the panhouse would likely have been dammed to create a 'bucket pot' (basin). Here the sea water would have been held when the tide was out, ready to be drawn up into the panhouse for boiling. More about the salt production process can be read about here.

The aerial image above and the ground level images below show the remains of the harbour structure. Much of the original stone would have been recycled into new building works long ago.  The former 'Pan Braes' became known as 'Massney Braes'. Unable to find any definitive origin or meaning for the word Massney, I wonder if there is any connection to stone masons using this area as a source of material. Opinions welcome on this idea - or evidence of an alternative meaning to the name. It's certainly the case that stone has taken from this area of shore by masons. In 1880, legal action was taken to stop Thomas Tivendale, mason, from "taking stone for building purposes from the seashore opposite Mr Macrae's property". Mr Macrae was Colin George Macrae W.S. of Drum Lodge.
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Above images show specific detail of the old harbour of Drummochie, captured at a time when there was less sand covering the area. The image on the left is the base of the sloping revetment of the harbour entrance (looking back towards Drum Park). The photo on the right is the end of the pier section which projects from the Lundie rocks.

Another historic feature in this vicinity is the man-made extension to the end of the Lundie rocks. Built around the 1830s, in the pre-railway days of the steam boat services, this low-water pier allowed boats to dock, embark and disembark passengers and goods, whatever the state of the tide. The flat platform of cut rocks can still be seen at the Lundies southern tip. The two images above show this from the ground and below is the same area from above. Remnants of iron fixings in the rock indicate a walkway with a bannister once would have assisted passengers from the boat to the shore.

Enjoy a short drone video clip ending at the former Drummochy Harbour here: https://youtu.be/HzIW_B2jxbk

​The "Port of Drummochie" was once of greater importance than the harbour we now know as Largo Harbour. Located in the above aerial image to the left of the Lundie Rocks (the natural strata seen in front of the viaduct), the remnants of this former port or harbour can still be made out, at low tide, as distinct bands of rubble. The circa 1750 Roy Military Survey of Scotland map (below) clearly indicates the symbol for a harbour or port to the west side of the point where the Keil Burn flows into Largo Bay. It was here - on the Drummochy side of the burn - where three salt pans also once operated.

The advert below from 1 July 1771 Caledonian Mercury mentions the "port" right at the start of the description of the Lundin estate, emphasising its importance and later notes that there were "three salt pans adjacent". A similar advert from 1773 elaborates on the description of the harbour at Drummochie, stating that it "is of easy approach and can be made capable of receiving ships of considerable burden at moderate expense".
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Drummochie or Drummochy has had several different spellings over time. It was made a free burgh of barony in 1540 and was then known as Drummoquhy, according to the above extract from the 'The Arms of the Baronial and Police Burghs of Scotland' (1903). Below is the 'Place Name Data' for Drummochy and further below is a piece from 1819 Topographical Dictionary of Scotland stating that, by then, the harbour at Drummochy (and salt works) had been "destroyed".

The demise of the harbour at Drummochy was linked with the end of the salt industry at the site. The 4 September 1784 Caledonian Mercury notice below shows that the three salt pans themselves were put up for sale along with coal fire engine. This sale (four decades after the start of the salt works at Drummochy) was overseen by Ebenezer Coutts, the bailie who lived at what is now Drum Lodge. The loss of the salt industry, plus the existence of the more natural Largo Harbour adjacent, must have meant there was no incentive to maintain the manmade harbour of Drummochy. 

Below are two more aerial images and a view from the ground of the remnants of Drummochy Harbour. Note the two significant areas of boulders, although no doubt many parts of the original harbour structure have long since been reused for other construction purposes. While it's great that some physical evidence of the old port remains today, it would be good to unearth more written information about the harbour in its working days. If you have any information about the former Drummochy Harbour, please comment.
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The second 'Largo Arts Week' recently concluded and was once again blessed with warm and sunny weather. The successful inaugural event took place in 2019 but the follow-up Arts Week planned for 2020 had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Happily it was able to take place 17-25 July 2021 with some modifications. Once again the organisers and artists delivered a memorable event, showcasing a wealth of creative talent. It was great to see events and studios spread across the three villages. Well done to everyone involved!

The re-opening of the Crusoe and the launch of The Aurrie all added to the air of excitement. It was brilliant to see so much going on and folks out and about enjoying themselves. The addition of The Largo Obelisk, by Alan Faulds, atop the phone box at The Orry is a fantastic talking point. Look carefully at the detail and you will see Shuffle Katie, James Hope Young and Reverend David Malloch featured, among many other local characters and events. Read more about the detail of The Largo Obelisk here.

As a follow-up to the previous post about the Crusoe 300 event in August 1976, here are a few more images from the extensive programme of events that took place.  Perhaps the highest profile event that took place in Lundin Links was the 'It's A Knockout' competition that took place on Thursday 19th on the Common. This was an inter-village contest plus an inter-school contest, with Kirkland High School (The Crusoe Castaways) pitted against Buckhaven High School (The Buckhaven Buckaneers). In the photograph above the Elmwood Boarding House/Private Hotel can be seen in the background.

The Law Race took place on 17th August, leaving from 'Kirkton Park' (by the cricket ground) in Upper Largo.  The image above of the runners setting off shows the manse on the left and the East Lodge on the right. There were separate races for under 12s, 12-16 and over 16s. Below is the Gymkhana that was held in a field behind Horne's Service Station on 20th August.

On the 15th August, the Paraclan of Glenrothes did a free-fall parachute jump into Largo Bay close to the Pier (see photo above) while the previous day there had been a display of classic cars at Station Car Park (shown below).
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​Also on 15th was the above display on the Pier by the Fourth Royal Tank Regiment. Meanwhile, Lundin Links saw an 'American' tournament of tennis at Lundin Sports Club (in full flow in the image below). Something for everyone....

Forty five years ago this summer, an ambitious 10-day event took place in Largo to mark the tercentenary of the birth of Alexander Selkirk (the Largo-born inspiration for the character Robinson Crusoe). The 11 August 1976 East Fife Mail anticipated the event with headlines such as "Days of Fun and Frolic in East Fife" and "Crusoemania Hits the Coast", while informing readers that Crusoe would be seen in Largo once again. The curtain would rise on Friday 13th August with Crusoe stepping ashore at the Pier with "attendant savages". And by 2 a.m. the next morning "the festival will have been well and truly launched at a barbecue followed by a dance" in the Crusoe Hotel.

The programme - which must have been a long time in the planning - can be seen below. After opening with a bang on the Friday evening, the Saturday saw a funfair and vintage car parade and the Sunday a Jazz Band performance and water sports event, among other things. Every day of the week there were activities of all types going on, from a magic lantern show to a Radio Forth Disco, and from a car treasure hunt to Gala Ball. Seaside favourites such as a sand castle contest and Punch and Judy shows were also included. An exhibition of Selkirk artefacts and information was on throughout in the Loomshop Gallery. The grand finale on the closing day was the memorable event of 'Flying off the Pier".
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As well as events in Lower Largo, neighbouring villages Lundin Links and Upper Largo joined in the fun with goings-on there too. Tennis, squash, bowls, dramatic performances at the Montrave Hall and an 'It's a Knock Out' on the Common were highlights in Lundin Links. Meanwhile, Upper Largo put on events in the Kirk, the Simpson Institute and the Stables, as well as the traditional Law Race and a Gymkhana. Chairman of the organising committee was Don Beaton who praised the committee members and organisers from all the villages and said that the aim was to offer something for everyone.

​The following week's local newspaper (18 August) reported on how events had gone so far with a front page splash and further detail on the inner pages, including the pictures below. The opening event grabbed most of the column inches. Around 2,000 onlookers watched the spectacle of a ragged "Robinson Crusoe" (a role played by John Aberdein) swimming ashore into the harbour, while a fearsome welcoming party in seaweed-covered canoes tried to impede him. The hero also scaled the wall of the Crusoe Hotel, while saving his faithful companion "Man Friday" up a rope from a "host of head-hunting Largo savages" to the delighted cheers of the huge crowd. This was the opening event of the "frenzied ten days of Crusoe carousing".

Other events at the adventurous end of the scale were the 'water jump' (trying to jump as far off the pier as possible), pillow fights on a log over the water and climbing along a rope over the harbour before trying to drop through hula hoops in the water. One of the more sedate events took place at Largo and Newburn Parish Church, where a united service themed around Alexander Selkirk was held. Extracts were read from the Kirk Session records featuring Selkirk's misdemeanours. All the local ministers (Reverends Lister, Dyer and Campbell) all took part. The final day - Sunday 22 August - saw the popular 'Flying Off the Pier' challenge bring the Crusoe 300 celebrations to a close. Roger Linton of the East of Fife Round Table can be seen in the photograph below executing his entry in the man powered flight contest. His was deemed the best attempt, winning him the Votz Zellat trophy.
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Once the Crusoe 300 extravaganza had drawn to a close, the 25 August East Fife Mail concluded their three weeks of coverage with the verdict that the "marathon of fun and games" had been a "great success". There was talk of a yearly Crusoe Festival week, although it was recognised that the tercentenary had been on a scale that would be unlikely to be replicated. Two important aspects of the event were also noted - the money raised that would form a common fund for the three villages for the improvement and provision of amenities, plus the contact made with Chilean nationals on an island many thousands of miles distant. The committee chair commented: "I think Alexander Selkirk would have approved".
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If you have ever wondered what the view through the viaduct at Lower Largo looked like 150 years ago, take a close look at the photograph above. This is one view of a scale model of Largo Mill, created by John Band in April 2021.  A series of different perspectives of the model are shown in the photographs below.

The model itself will be on display as an installation in the foyer of the Largo Library and Community Hub on Crescent Road, Lundin Links during Largo Arts Week. Display boards with photographs and detailed information about the mill will accompany the model. Arts Week runs 17-25 July 2021.

Below is an aerial view which clearly shows the layout of the buildings on the site. The Mill Cottage is set back, elevated beside the dam. Harbour Wynd runs up the right hand side of the scene. In the centre-ground from left to right are the gasworks/forge (partly obscured by trees); the main mill (centre with many windows); the steam engine house (to the immediate right of main mill); and the oil refining house / office (formerly the spinning mill flax heckling house (angled on the left). In the foreground is the viaduct, with the track visible. The Keil Burn runs through one of the arches and a ford can be made out just above the line of the viaduct. The ford is shown in greater detail further below.

Note the many tiny details within the model, such as the mill's bell tower, flights of steps, barrels and small bridges over the sluices. The landscaping features are also incredibly detailed. Best seen in full 3-D and up close but if you can't make it along to the installation at the library this summer I hope that these photos provide a sense of the huge amount of work that has gone into producing this showpiece. If you would like to learn more about the history of the site and read further details on its buildings and infrastructure, take a look at this series of in-depth posts (content created by John Band):

lundinlinks.weebly.com/blog/largo-mill-in-depth-part-1
lundinlinks.weebly.com/blog/largo-mill-in-depth-part-2
lundinlinks.weebly.com/blog/largo-mill-in-depth-part-3
lundinlinks.weebly.com/blog/largo-mill-in-depth-part-4

Reading the content of the above posts in conjunction with viewing these images of the model should transport you right back to circa 1870.

The Durham Hall building started out as the Durham Female Industrial School, founded in 1859 by Mrs Dundas Durham of Largo House. The school provided girls with a curriculum that included both traditional education and training in domestic ‘industry’ (e.g. sewing, knitting and laundry). From the start the building was also used outside of school hours. For example, the Volunteer Force (established in Fife in 1860) held drills in the school and its grounds. When a company of the Boys’ Brigade was started in Largo in 1909, the Durham School was chosen as its meeting place. The Parish Council held meetings there and the Red Cross ran classes in first aid and home nursing.

The school did enrol both girls and boys for much of its existence and in 1911 the school underwent modernisation. A new chimney was built, a partition was added to divide the largest classroom, and a laundry room was created with washing tubs and a cooking range (these features are marked on the floor plan image further down the page). These works enabled new ‘practical instruction and continuation classes’ to take place covering laundry, cookery, dress-making, upholstery, woodwork, book-keeping and shorthand. 

​After a spell lying empty after the war, St David’s Parish Church bought the building in 1955. Tradesmen from the congregation worked to repair the roof, remove a wall to create the large hall and install an up-to-date kitchen. The architect-drawn floor plans show the layout before (above) and after (below) this work was carried out (source H.E.S.).

​Completed in August 1957, the renovated hall was formally dedicated the following month (see full report on that from 2 October 1957 Leven Mail below). In May 1958, a concert party took place to thank the men who had helped convert the former school. Around 150 people packed into the hall to be entertained by singing, monologues and music from the piano and oboe. Tea was then served and the evening was rounded off with a dance.

Over the years that followed, the hall was used for many activities including the Church Youth Club, Boys Brigade, Brownies and Guides, coffee mornings, jumble sales, meetings and as a polling station for elections. ​In the 1970s the hall was extended to provide further space. The new addition was named the Mackie Room after a church member who had left a bequest. This room originally had a flat roof (seen in the top black and white photograph) but this was changed to the present sloping roof in the 1990s - see far left part of the hall in the image below. This year, the Durham Hall will act as the hub for Largo Arts Week 2021 - for more on that see https://www.largoartsweek.com/.
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The above artwork depicting the Old Manor Hotel appeared as part of an advert for hotel receptionist placed in the East Fife Mail of 24 April 1996 (below). This and the following other local references were found recently in newspapers used to wrap up a set of crockery. When unpacking a box untouched for a couple of decades, it was an unexpected pleasure to be able to leaf through some old pages of the local paper.
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​April brought the opening matches of the local bowling clubs and below is the photo taken of the Lundin Links club's first game. Do you recognise anyone in the photograph?

Another Springtime event was the Fife Point to Point at Balcormo. The advert below let readers know that it was coming up the following weekend. Traditionally held annually at Balcormo Mains (since 1910), the event has origins dating back to 1892, originally taking place at Bruntshiels Farm near Ceres. Lately there has been another chance of venue, which you can read more about here: https://balcormoraces.org/

​Finally, an other advert - this time for the Crusoe Hotel. Part of a full page feature on the 'High Tea Trail' around the East of Fife, the advert highlights high teas and bar meals - with "flambe and seafood a speciality"!
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