Pitmethven Wood
Pitmethven Wood ABO V NT192888 1 394 135m
Pitmethven c.1825 RHP14332 [name of the field on the lands of Cullaloe surrounding OS Pathf. Pitmethven Wood, on east side of the road]
Pitmethven Wood 1956 OS 2.5 inch
Until earlier forms of this place-name can be found, we cannot be sure that this is a genuine Pit-name (containing G pett), let alone offer an etymology for it. Superficially it would appear to be related to Methven PER, which is discussed by Watson 1926, 387.
Whittington and Soulsby, in their study of Pit-place-names in Fife, accept Pitmethven as a genuine Pit-name, pointing out that it and nearby Pitkinnie KGH are both in an area generally favoured by their Pit-settlers: ‘an area of positive attraction’ (Whittington and Soulsby 1968, Fig. 3 opposite p. 121).
There are otherwise no Pit-names in ABO. It does not appear on OS 6 inch 1st edn.
This place-name appeared in printed volume 1