Ceres, Fife

Ceres, Fife

Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on the colourful and historic village of Ceres in Fife, S.E. Scotland.

Ceres Parish Church

Summary facts and information

  • Population is about 1000 persons.
  • Connected with the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 Men from the village fought (for the Scots) at that battle at which the Scots prevailed (over the English). In recognition of the support permission was given for a games to be held on the village green. This site was originally known as Bow Butts is recognition of archery practice undertaken there. A monument was erected in 1914 to commemorate the men from Ceres who fought at Bannockburn.
  • Ceres (Highland) Games may be the oldest in Scotland.
Village Green
  • Ceres is located close to Cupar and St. Andrews in the east of Scotland The name may be derived from the Gaelic term for ‘Place to the West’ (of St. Andrews).
  • A burn (stream) runs through the centre of Ceres. This is known as the Ceres Burn.
Buirn (stream)
  • The Parish Church dates from 1806. It replaced an earlier, medieval church.
  • The picturesque Ceres Inn (pub) dates from 1721.
Ceres Inn
  • Wemyss Pottery was re-established in Ceres in 1985 since when it has prospered. The ‘Wemyss Ware’® name has had a long and distinguished history from its beginning in 1882. It was the brainchild of Robert Heron, the Pottery owner, and Karel Nekola from Bohemia. It is probably the most highly collectable and sought-after Scottish pottery. Products include hand- painted pottery cats, pigs, other animals, giftware, decorative tableware, tiles and limited editions, all made in Scotland.
Pottery products

More images of Ceres

Village scene with church in background
Symbol of ancient Weigh House
Castlegate, a village street
The figure known as ‘The Provost’ of ‘Toby Jug’ was originally located in the churchyard grounds.Originally, the carving had a 17th century fireplace with frieze as its base. Later it became separated from its base. the two sections were reunited in June 1939 in the gable of a garage in High Street. ( Note that ‘provost’ is a Scots word for mayor.)
Pantiled roofed cottage typical of the Fife region.

More information for the tourist

Many aspects of Scotland’s Fife region are covered in the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.

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