A piece of Dunfermline’s industrial past in danger of being lost is being given a new lease of life.
The historic linen mills at Victoria Works in Pilmuir Street is on the Buildings at Risk register for Scotland.
Part of the building dates from 1876, with extensions dating from the late 19th Century.
However, the prominent frontage of the building, an echo of Dunfermline’s once thriving and vibrant linen producing industry, is now being preserved as part of a housing development.
The symmetrical two-storey office and warehouse block, which has “an impressive Italianate frontage “ was built for Inglis and Co.
At its heyday it gave work to 700 members of staff, working at up to 700 looms.
It was closed as a weaving factory in 1926 and converted for Wilson and Wightman to use as an embroidery works in 1928.
In July 2010 an external inspection found the building in “very poor” condition. It was subsequently put in the high risk category.
Listed building consent for partial demolition and conversion to housing was approved by Fife Council in 2008.
Lynsey Brown, the sales manager at Miller Homes’ Victoria Mills development in Dunfermline, said: “The Miller Homes development at the 19th Century Victoria Works in Pilmuir Street has given the site a new lease of life.
“While creating ultra-stylish apartments and terraced homes we have also managed to retain and restore the historical beauty of the original Victorian faade.
“The development was designed to ensure the older building work was protected and safely incorporated into our modern and luxurious accommodation.”