Pronounced Cathair Chaladain in Gaelic, Kirkcaldy is situated between Dundee and Edinburgh. The Town had a harbour built and the town expanded due to trade demand from the Baltic. It became famous for the production and export of textiles nailmaking and salt panning. The Industrail Revolution was the most prosperous time for the town, this was in part due to the introduction of Linoleum. Originally designed as a floorcloth, it became popular world wide at the beginning of the 20th century.

Nicknamed the Lang Toun in reference to the 0.9 mile main street of the early town. Today Kirkcaldy has a population of 48,108, and has a public arts gallery, two parks, shopping centres and the annual Link's Market, Europe's longest street fair. Recently the settlment has seen developments toits northern areas and the town is now triangular in shape. In terms of trade and business, Kircaldy is recognised as one of Fife's strategic development centres.

Sports wise Kircaldy is home to proffesional league football, rugby and ice hockey teams. The local football team is Raith Rovers who play from Stark's Park.