Markinch

Coordinates: 56°12′09″N 3°08′06″W / 56.20262°N 3.13504°W / 56.20262; -3.13504

Markinch (Scots: Merkinch, from Scottish Gaelic Marc Innis, meaning "horse meadow") is a small town in the heart of Fife, Scotland. According to an estimate taken in 2008, the town has a population of 2,420. Markinch is east of Fife's administrative centre, Glenrothes.

History

Much of the early history of the town is unknown. The earliest record of a settlement is Balfarg stone circle, in an area now incorporated into the new town of Glenrothes, which is said to date back to 3,000BC from the neolithic period. Under the original name of Dalgynch, the town has been considered by some to have served as the Pictish capital of Fife. Terraces on Markinch Hill are thought to be either medieval or Roman in origin and on the northern outskirts of the town beside the East Lodge of Balbirnie House stands the ancient Celtic Stob Cross which may have marked the limits of sanctuary of Markinch Church.