Westwood’s Parochial Directory, 1862
Local History
The following article was edited from Westwood’s Parochial Directory for the Counties of Fife and Kinross, 1862.
The town of Tayport in the parish of Ferry-Port-on-Craig, which previously shared the parish name, stands close to the shore of the Firth of Tay, 3? miles as the crow flies from Dundee. The whole of the parish is comprised in the estate of Scotscraig. During the reign of Charles II, the mansion house was the property of Archbishop Sharp.
The town is divided into three streets, with occasional cross lanes. Many of the houses are substantial, a number of the inhabitants letting out a part of their premises to temporary visitors during the bathing season. The beach, both to the west and east of the village, being very suitable for bathing ground.
The town has long been noted for its ferry, and its importance in that respect has greatly increased since the opening of the railway. Great harbour works have been constructed here, to render communication with Broughty Ferry and the north effective and convenient.
A number of the inhabitants are employed in weaving the coarser kinds of linen and jute fabrics to Dundee manufacturers, while a number are connected with seafaring pursuits, either as shipowners, shipmasters or seamen. About fifty are engaged in the salmon fishery during the season, and a number in duties connected with the harbour or railway. There is also the usual sprinkling of tradesmen and shopkeepers, and a comparatively small number of ploughmen and rural labourers.
sources:
- Fife Council web site, the about Tayport section.