Glenrothes

Glenrothes ( glen-ROTH-iss; Scots: Glenrothes; Scottish Gaelic: Gleann Rathais, pronounced [kʲlən̪ˠˈrˠahɪʃ]) is a town situated in the heart of Fife, in east-central Scotland. It is the administrative capital of Fife, containing the headquarters of both Fife Council and Police Scotland Fife Division and is a major service and employment centre within the area. In the 2022 census, the town had a resident population of 37,468, making it the third-largest settlement in Fife and the 18th most populous locality in Scotland. The name Glenrothes comes from its historical link with the Earl of Rothes, who owned much of the land on which the new town has been built; Glen (Scottish for valley) was added to the name to distinguish it from Rothes in Moray and in recognition that the town lies in a river valley. The motto of Glenrothes is Ex terra vis, meaning "Strength from the earth", which dates back to the founding of the town. Planned shortly after World War II as Scotland's second new town, its purpose was to generate economic growth and renewal in central Fife. Initially this was to be done by providing new homes, industries, infrastructure and services needed to support the development of a newly established National Coal Board 'super pit', the Rothes Colliery. The mine closed early in its life and the town's economy thereafter transitioned and diversified, establishing it as an important centre for light industry and playing a significant role in establishing Scotland's Silicon Glen between 1961 and 2000. Today, Glenrothes is a centre for excellence within the high-tech electronics and manufacturing industry sectors; several organisations have their global headquarters in Glenrothes. Major employers include Bosch Rexroth (hydraulics manufacturing), CTDI UK (Electronic Repair), Fife College (education), Leviton (fibre optics manufacturing) and Raytheon (defence and electronics). Glenrothes is unique in Fife as...