small burgh (town) and port on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth, Fife council area and historic county, Scotland. The burgh comprises the former localities of Buckhaven, Methilhill, and Methil, a former coal port in an industrially depressed area, which turned to the manufacture of steel production platforms for the North Sea offshore petroleum industry. Other industrial sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, located in the burgh during the late 20th century. Pop. (2004 est.) 31,100.