Fife was one of the most important provinces of ancient Scotland. The county of Fife included the new town of Glenrothes (designated in 1948) and the burghs of Anstruther Easter; Anstruther Wester; Auchtermuchty; Buckhaven, Methil and Innerleven; Burntisland; Cowdenbeath; Crail; Culross; Cupar; Dunfermilne; Dysart; Earlsferry; Elie, Liberty & Williamsburgh; Falkland; Inverkeithing; Kilrenny; Kinghorn; Kirkcaldy; Ladybank; Leslie; Leven; Lochgelly; Markinch; Newburgh; Newport-on-Tay; Pittenweem; St Andrews; St Monance; and Tayport. Fife also included the inhabited islands of Inchkeith and May. Fife County Council was established by the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889, taking over powers from the Commissioners of Supply, County Road Trust, and other local authorities. In 1891 the Boundary Commissioners made significant alterations to the boundaries between Fife and the adjoining counties of Perth and Kinross. These included the transfer of part of the parish of Dunfermline to Kinross-shire, the transfer of the detached part of the parish of Portmoak to the county of Fife, and the transfer of the detached portion of Perthshire at Culross and Tulliallan to the county of Fife. Fife County Council was abolished in 1975 by the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1973, and the former county became Fife Region. The present Fife Council was formed in 1995 and took over the functions of the former Fife Regional Council and its three district councils.

Archive services
St Andrews University Library
Fife Council Archive Service

Local studies libraries
Fife Council Central Area Libraries, Local History Collection, Central Library, War Memorial Grounds, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1YG.
Fife Council East Area Libraries, Local History Collection, Cupar Library, 33 Crossgate, Cupar, KY15 5AS.
Fife Council West Area Libraries, Local History Department, Dunfermilne Library, Abbot Street, Dunfermline, KY12 7NL.
Fife Council Museums, Kirkcaldy Museum, War Memorial Gardens, Kirkcaldy KY1 1YG

Family History Societies
Fife Family History Society

Historical records

County Council records
County Constabulary records
Medical Officer of Health reports
Vehicle Licensing Records
Valuation Rolls

Sheriffdoms
JP court records
Register of sasines
Other records