when the coal mine, the lady blanche pit, closed suddenly use of the harbour almost stopped. the town was joined with the royal burgh of kirkcaldy in 1930. large parts of the historic town were pulled down in the 1950s and 1960's for new housing. people living in the town were able to protect some areas, most notably the 16th century and the 18th century houses of pan ha' opposite the harbour. these have been repaired and preserved for future generations. today, dysart retains an individual character within the boundary borders of neighbouring kirkcaldy.