METHILL, a quoad sacra parish (for a time), comprising
the villages of Methill and Kirkland, in the parish
of Wemyss, and Dubbieside, or Innerleven, in the
parish of Markinch, district of Kirkcaldy, county of
Fife j the whole containing 1513 inhabitants, of whom
about 500 are in the village of Methill, 1 mile (\V. by S.)
from Leven. This village, situated on the northern shore
of the Firth of Forth, was formerly noted for the manufacture
of salt, which was carried on here to a very great
extent, but since the removal of the duty has been altogether
discontinued. The harbour is safe and commodious,
and was much frequented; but the pier was greatly
damaged by a violent storm, and upon the abolition of
the duty on salt, lay for some time neglected. It has,
however, been restored of late at an expense of nearly
£2000; the village has much improved, and from its
pleasant situation, and the facility of intercourse which
it possesses with the neighbouring markets, it is likely
to recover its former prosperity. The church, erected
at an expense of £1030, and adapted for a congregation
of more than 800 persons, was closed on the Disruption
of the Church of Scotland.