Wemyss, West, a small town in Wemyss parish in the S of Fife, is situated on the coast, 2 miles NE of Dysart. The nearest station, though bearing the name of the village, is very inconveniently situated about a mile away, on the branch line referred to under East Wemyss. Consisting mainly of one street, West Wemyss has a less prosperous and comfortable air than East Wemyss, although its population is considerably greater. About the centre of the village is the townhall, with a curious foreign-looking tower. The only church is the quoad sacra parish church. There is a post and telegraph office under Kirkcaldy. West Wemyss formerly carried on a brisk manufacture of salt; and so maintained a good harbour. Although the manufacture has now ceased, the harbour is still kept up on account of the considerable coal traffic which passes through it. In 1872-73 a wet dock was constructed at a cost of about £10,000, covering about an acre, with a depth of water of 18½ feet, and a berthage of 450 feet. As a burgh of barony West Wemyss is governed by 2 bailies, a treasurer, and 4 councillors. Pop.-which is almost entirely mining-(1831) 858, (1861) 1128, (1871) 1231, (1881) 1206.
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