racetrack
Knockhill Racing Circuit
Scotland's national motorsport centre, a compact but thrilling circuit with sharp elevation changes near Dunfermline.
22 km · about 25 min drive
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
Glenrothes works well as a base: 10 minutes from Kinglassie, 26km from Queensferry Crossing.
Glenrothes is a town located in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a population of 38,360, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Glenrothes sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Glenrothes to your route.
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 majorRead more
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 much of the town centre floorspace is internalised within Fife's largest shopping centre, the Kingdom Shopping Centre.
The town has won multiple horticultural awards in the Beautiful Scotland and Britain in Bloom contests for the quality of its parks and landscaping and features numerous outdoor sculptures and artworks resulting from the appointment of town artists in the early development of the town. Public facilities include a regional sports and leisure centre, two golf courses, major parks, a civic centre and theatre and a college campus. The A92 trunk road provides the principal road access, passing through Glenrothes and connecting it to the wider Scottish motorway and trunk road network. A major bus station is located in the town centre, providing regional and local bus services to surrounding settlements. Glenrothes lies on the edge of the Edinburgh–Dundee line and Fife Circle rail line with railway stations serving the town located at Markinch and Thornton.
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Glenrothes offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Glenrothes is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 56.1951 latitude, -3.1732 longitude.
Glenrothes has a population of approximately 38,360 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
racetrack
Scotland's national motorsport centre, a compact but thrilling circuit with sharp elevation changes near Dunfermline.
22 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
UNESCO-listed Victorian cantilever railway bridge spanning the Firth of Forth, a masterwork of 19th-century engineering in 54,000 tonnes of steel.
26 km · about 30 min drive
bridge
The world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2017, carrying the M90 high over the Firth of Forth alongside its famous Victorian and 1960s neighbours: three centuries of bridges in one view.
26 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Dramatic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, dominating the Edinburgh skyline for over 900 years.
27 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
A waterfront biker cafe in South Queensferry beneath the iconic Forth bridges, offering stunning views and a warm welcome to riders.
27 km · about 30 min drive
historic highway
Edinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
27 km · about 30 min drive
cathedral
The High Kirk of Edinburgh with its distinctive crown spire, mother church of Presbyterianism on the Royal Mile.
27 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
An accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
27 km · about 30 min drive
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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