Lying just 16 miles from Edinburgh, Dalgety Bay is an ideal commuter base.
But while it may be a relatively new town, the area upon which it stands is steeped in history.
Much of the land once belonged to the Earls of Moray, who lived in Donibristle House and whose name lives on in a number of street names.
Construction of the modern town of Dalgety Bay didn’t begin until 1965.
And today, the Fife coastal town has plenty of attractions to keep its thousands of residents close to home.
It stretches over several beautiful bays on the Firth of Forth’s northern shore.
And it enjoys stunning views of all three of the Forth bridges, Inchcolm Island, and beyond to Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills.
Its well-kept green spaces make it a lovely place to walk, with the town’s sports centre offering further keep fit opportunities.
And it is home to Brigid Dalby, a childminder who also runs a local parent and toddler group.
Brigid agreed to tell us five of her favourite things about Dalgety Bay.
1. Green space and woods
“You can stand in the centre of Dalgety Bay and look in any direction and see green space,” says Brigid.
“It used to be seen as a commuter town but since Covid more people are working from home and they’re realising what they have on their doorstep.
“My house backs onto Longhill Park, a beautiful green field that’s used by the community.
“We have deer coming down in the morning and at night.
“It used to be a plantation and there’s still an old ice house there.
“There are also lots of wooded areas, which are so important for the kids who love being adventurous.
“They’re used by the whole community, including dog walkers and horse riders.”
2. St Bridget’s Kirk in Dalgety Bay
The remains of St Bridget’s Kirk on the outskirts of Dalgety Bay, date back to the 12th century.
The church was altered in the 1600s for Protestant worship but has been a ruin since the 19th century.
And according to Brigid, it’s a fabulous place to wander and just sit.
“It’s really nice and relaxing,” she says.
“There’s a bench in front of it and you can enjoy the beautiful views.
“It’s owned by Historic Scotland but you don’t pay for it and there’s nobody there to man it.
“The monks used to come over from Inchcolm Island to worship there and there’s a real sense of history.
“I often take the kids along and we do rubbings on the old headstones in the grounds.”
3. Dalgety Bay community centre
“It’s great because everybody uses it from toddlers to the elderly. You don’t want to lose that.
“It’s already a community hub but there are plans to transform it and it’s going to be amazing.
“It’s going to be like the Larick Centre in Tayport, which caters for all sorts of groups and community events, with catering and rooms for hire.
“Ours will be on two levels with a cafe and there are plans for a movie night.
“There is so much going on community-wise and I just love it.”
4. The walk along The Avenue
“One of the oldest walks is one we call The Avenue.
“It’s a cycleway and path between Dalgety Bay and Aberdour and it’s a beautiful route.
“It’s tarmac and it was upgraded recently so it’s nice and smooth.
“It means kids can use their scooters or their bikes and it’s great for a family afternoon out.
“You can see the three Forth Bridges from there. And you pass fields with enormous horses and cattle and sometimes sheep.
“It’s very popular.
“Many years ago the Girl Guides planted daffodils and they come up every year and are picked for Marie Curie.
“They can be found on sale from buckets all around the town.”
5. That Place In The Bay
“That Place In The Bay is a new place and it’s run by a charity.
“It uses arts and crafts as a way of relaxing and improving mental health and there are various different classes.
“It’s in Donibristle Industrial Estate and they do children’s art classes and there’s a Lego club.
“There’s also a women’s tea circle where you can sit and chat – men have Andy’s Man Club and women have the tea circle.
“It’s all run by volunteers and it’s really good.
“There’s a strong sense of community in Dalgety Bay these days.
“I think Covid has made us review our lives and in many ways it’s for the better.”
Conversation