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After the Reformation Earlsferry went into a steady decline, as did most of the towns and villages that were connected with the Old Church. The neighbouring village of Elie became the landing place for the ferry. The last time that Royalty, in the person of King James the Sixth of Scotland used the ferry, was in 1592 on his way to Fenton Tower from Falkland. Fenton Tower has been completely, and sympathetically, renovated over the past few years, and is now used as an exclusive residence for people wishing to spend a holiday in a 'special' place! See the link that I have provided. Fishing and weaving were the main occupations of the 'Ferry folk' and by the end of the 17th century the village was dying. It has to be said that the University town of St Andrews was also in this state of disrepair. So much so that by 1800 plans were afoot to have the University removed from St Andrews to Perth. St Andrews was saved by the astounding energy and efforts of Provost Playfair.
Unfortunately Earlsferry had no such local benefactor and was saved by the arrival of the railway line, which reached Kilconquhar, a mile or so north of Earlsferry in 1857. Some speculators bought most of the derelict buildings and renovated them. One of those properties was Ivy Cottage, which was renovated in 1855, along with quite few of the properties in this corner of the village. This created quite a building renovation 'boom' in the village and a few of Maggies ancestors became plasterers, and other tradesmen.
It is ironic that the village was to be 'saved' once more by tourists, this time seeking refuge from the stress and strain of City life.
In 1929 the Royal Burgh amalgamated with its neighbour Elie. Today the former proud Royal Burgh of Earlsferry is mostly used as a playground by holiday home owners, (property in Earlsferry is a sound investment), and people who have retired. All contribute to make Earlsferry one busy little place, especially during the summer months. Only a handful of families living in Earlsferry today can trace their ancestry in the village back a couple of centuries. Maggie belongs to one of them - the Websters.
Finally, when the visitor, or traveller, is entering Elie the road signs indicate that they are entering 'The Royal Burgh of Elie and Earlsferry'. This is not so. They are in fact entering 'Elie and The Royal Burgh of Earlsferry'. At present there is nothing to tell the visitor when he or she is actually entering the former Royal Burgh. It is time this was changed! Especially when you consider the history that Earlsferry has.
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