Pitlessie
Pitlessie is a small village in Cults, Fife, Scotland. It is roughly southwest of the nearest large town, Cupar, and north of Edinburgh. It had an estimated population of 325 in 2010.
Situated in the heart of the Howe of Fife, the village was mainly concerned with the linen industry and agriculture - the primary employers in many villages in the along the River Eden. Pitlessie's roots can be traced back at least as far as the 13th century, with it being created twice a free burgh of barony. Other industries such as mining and malting also employed many in the village, though these, along with the post office and village shop, have since ceased.
Now, based along the A914, the village primarily serves commuters employed in the surrounding towns and cities, with a village inn the sole notable amenity of Pitlessie, attracting tourists and locals alike.
History
There are references to Pitlessie dating back to the 13th century, though the clarity of these are poor until the land comes into the ownership of Ramornie of that ilk, proprietors of Pitlessie and surrounding lands until 1439 when it was sold by Alexander Ramornie to John, 1st Lord Lindsay. The legacy of the Ramornie estate is still present and can be found to the west of the village, in the form of Ramornie Mains and Ramornie Mill.On 2 January 1541, Pitlessie was created a free burgh of barony in favour of John, 4th Lord Lindsay by James V. The land was then passed through down his descendants until it was later sold to Crawford of Montquhanie. On 17 September 1681, Pitlessie was once again erected as the free burgh of barony of Forret in favour of Sir David Balfour of Forret by Charles II.
In 1736, George Heggie was given sasine to Pitlessie. His influences on the village include the nearby Heggie's Muir wood, which is likely to have taken his family name, and a now category B listed Georgian manor at the entrance of the village built by Heggie in 1737, known as Pitlessie House.
From its beginnings, the linen industry of the River Eden, along with the surrounding arable farmland, served as primary employers for the village's small populous. Additionally, limestone quarries on Cults hill, and sandstone quarries closer to the Eden proved successful and provided additional employment for others.
Further population growth occurred in 1890 with the arrival of the new Priestfield Maltings. Founded by James Martin of Priestfield, the maltings were acquired by the Bonthrone family in 1937 who operated similar facilities in Newton of Falkland, Ladybank, Stratheden, and Auchtermuchty. It once produced over 2,000 tonnes of malt and employed 14 men. Production remained in action until 1968 when the owners at that time, Scottish Malt Distillers, changed strategies. The category B listed building was converted into housing in 1996. There were previously much smaller maltings behind Pitlessie house, operated at an unknown time.