Fife

The Result

Electorate: 277,074
Area (Hectares): 132,256

The 'Kingdom of Fife' lies on the east coast of Scotland between the Firths of Forth and Tay. The region is split between the mainly industrial West Fife and the more picturesque rural areas to the north and east. The area around Glenrothes in central and western Fife used to be heavily involved in the coal mining industry. However in recent years electronics has replaced mining as the main employer. Other important industries in western Fife include textile, engineering and the manufacture of synthetic materials. The economy in the north-east of the region depends more on agriculture, and the tourists who come to the ancient university town of St Andrews and its golf-course.

The politics of the region mirrors its economic differences. The three parliamentary seats in central and west Fife are safe Labour seats, while Fife North East is held by the Liberal Democrat, Menzies Campbell. The distribution of council seats follows a similar pattern.

Results of 1979 referendum:

ICM/Scotsman poll published on 22 August 1997:

		Yes		No		Don't know
All Scotland		68%		21%		11%
Lothian, Fife and Central		68%		25%		7%

Question:Should a Scottish Parliament have tax-varying powers?

		Yes		No		Don't know
All Scotland		56%		36%		8%
Lothian, Fife and Central		57%		40%		3%

(Total Sample Size: 1,001, Fieldwork: 19-20 August 1997)