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Gypsy Travellers

Gypsy Travellers are dedicated to living a travelling lifestyle and see travelling as an important part of their identity.

There is a lot of diversity amongst Gypsy Traveller communities, with different groups speaking a variety of languages and holding to distinct customs and traditions.  Many Gypsy Travellers place great importance on family networks and on passing down their culture and traditions through the generations.

When Gypsy Travellers are on the road, they may stay in:

  • Sites provided by local councils
  • Privately owned sites run by Gypsy Travellers or holiday caravan sites
  • Unauthorised roadside encampments

Sites provided by Fife Council

We manage 3 permanent sites with rent charged at £69.00 per week. All pitches are subject to Council Tax. The locations are as follows:

  • Tarvit Mill, Cupar (East) - 16 pitches
  • Heathery Wood, Thornton (Central) - 18 pitches
  • Thornton Wood, Kelty (West) - 12 pitches

Facilities on site

Each pitch allows a family to park a residential caravan and tourer with one or two vehicles. The pitch also contains an amenity unit with kitchen, laundry, and bathing facilities.

Please contact the site manager as per details below for an application form.

Educational links

The Gypsy and Traveller Education Team (GATE) work with schools, parents and a wide range of groups or agencies to encourage children to attend school.

Teachers support young travellers on sites, in schools and in other council buildings throughout Fife. The team support young travellers whose lifestyle makes going to school difficult, by offering an alternative educational experience.

The team also promote education for race equality for all pupils, raising awareness of Traveller issues in schools. Parents are encouraged to collaborate in the educational process.

Health information

The sites have close links with health services.  For more information, please contact the site manager who will help with contact details and phone numbers for a range of services on various health needs.

Unauthorised encampments

In line with the Scottish Government, Gypsy Travellers are recognised as a minority ethnic group with distinct characteristics. When dealing with unauthorised encampments, all public authorities have a legal responsibility to ensure Gypsy Travellers don't suffer discrimination.

We work closely with Police Scotland and other partners to make sure that unauthorised encampments are carefully managed and dealt with appropriately.

Please use the contact details below to report incidents of unauthorised sites.

Site Manager Contact Details

Heathery Wood/Thornton Wood – 03451 555555 (ext. 456880) or mobile 07540672656

Tarvit Mill – 03451 555555 (ext. 450330) or mobile 07860735820