Kirkcaldy, known as the 'Lang Toun' stretches in a wide sweeping arc along the north of the Firth of Forth. It is the largest town in Fife and was the administrative centre of Kirkcaldy District from 1975 to 1996. Gifted to the monks of Dunfermline Abbey in 1364, the towns status as a Royal Burgh was confirmed by Charles II in 1661. Kirkcaldy grew up around its harbour near the mouth of the East Burn and expanded rapidly in the 19th century with the development of textiles, linoleum and the coal industry.

Today Kirkcaldy encompasses the former burghs of Dysart, Linktown and Pathhead as well as the villages of Sinclairtown and Gallatown and part of the Raith Estate. Its town centre was designated a conservation area in 1980 and amongst many interesting buildings are the Old Parish Church whose Norman Tower dates from c.1500, 15th-century Ravenscraig Castle, 17th-century Sailors Walk, Kirkcaldy Art Gallery and Museum (1925), the Adam Smith Centre (1894-99), the Nordic style Town House designed in 1937 by David Carr, Dunnikier House, Balwearie Community School dating from the 1960s, and St Brycedale Church (1877-81) which rises to 60m and takes its name from Kirkcaldy's patron saint.

Kirkcaldy has one of Scotland's largest indoor markets and Fife College of Further Education offers more than 200 courses through its five campuses in the town.

Betty Nicols is located at 297 High Street on the north west side of Kirkcaldy High Street and within its north easternmost street. The Area has seen significant regeneration and several projects are underway to transform what is a historic part of Kirkcaldy. The 16th century Merchants House is only a few hundred yards away and this property will, following restoration, house the tourist information. Kirkcaldy Harbour and Seafort lie a short distance to the south and east.

Betty Nicols borders the High Street and Close and is a traditional 'B' listed building built in the late 18th century. The outlet is located on the ground floor of a stone four storey tenement. The frontage of the property is extremely attractive with red granite facings with a coloured strain glass window depicting a ship in roundel, a link with Kirkcaldys maritime heritage.

The public bar has original dado height ceramic tiles with a decorative cornice and ceiling. There is a room to the rear with an open timber roof, boardell dado and impressive mutuled timber fireplace,