Scotland Community guide

Pettycur Bay, Kinghorn

Kinghorn, Fife · KY3 9SB

Sheltered sandy bay by Kinghorn where green glass from the old Pettycur bottle works still washes up, with browns and the odd blue.

About Pettycur Bay, Kinghorn

Pettycur Bay is a small, sheltered sandy bay backed by dunes on the edge of Kinghorn, with wide sand flats at low tide. A bottle works operated by the bay until 1982 and dumped waste glass into the sea, and a local jeweller who uses the glass says that is where most of it comes from. Visitors mention collecting chunky pieces of 'Fife sea glass' here.

Sea glass at Pettycur Bay, Kinghorn

Larger pieces in deep greens and browns, with blue turning up occasionally; much of the green is thought to come from the old Pettycur bottle works. Take care near the harbour wall, where reviewers warn of strong tides and rip currents.

Visiting Pettycur Bay, Kinghorn

Parking
Free council car park behind the harbour wall; don't park on the double yellow lines.
Safety
Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.
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    Sources

    • milomade.co.uk : Kinghorn jeweller: green sea glass from Kinghorn beaches most probably originates from the bottle works at Pettycur Bay (closed 1982).
    • wanderlog.com : Visitor reviews/summary mention Fife sea glass in greens, browns and even blue; free parking behind harbour wall.

    Last updated 23 October 2026

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