People using Elie Chain Walk have been urged to heed safety advice following a major rescue from the cliffs.
Four people, including a teenager and two eight-year-old children, were helped to safety on Tuesday after getting into difficulty at the popular attraction west of Earlsferry.
The rescue effort involved two lifeboats from Anstruther, a coastguard helicopter, the fire service and police.
Anstruther Lifeboat spokesman Martin Macnamara said: “With such an excellent coastal walking facility like the chain walk on our doorstep, it is important for the public to take into consideration the three key safety precautions before and during any use of the walk.
“Plan accordingly your walk with the tides, inform others of your intentions to use the chain walk and the times to expect your return and, finally, if you do encounter any difficulties, remain at the foot of the cliff back from the water’s edge and call the coastguard to request further assistance.”
It is understood the group rescued on Tuesday had been caught out by the tide and attempted to avoid the rising water by ascending the cliff.
The two younger children managed to scramble to the top of the cliff, but a 40-year-old woman and a 14-year-old teenager had to be winched to safety by the coastguard helicopter.
Mr Macnamara said if caught out by the tide, it is better to stay put until the lifeboat arrives.
“There’s a point where you get three quarters of the way up and realise you can’t complete the climb.
“We’re only going to be 10 to 15 minutes away, but if someone is up a cliff we can’t really do much.”
He added: “We don’t want to discourage people from using the chain walk, because thousands of people use it safely.
“Throughout the summer, it’s a big tourist attraction, and it’s a nice thing to have on our doorstep.
“People who use it safely plan their visit in accordance with the tides. There are apps available which are free to download which allow you to check the tides.”
Elie Chain Walk, which dates back to 1929, is not part of the Fife Coastal Path, but runs alongside it.
There are warning signs at the walk alerting the public to hazards including changing tides, falling rocks and slippery conditions underfoot.
Graham Johnston, secretary of Elie and the Royal Burgh of Earlsferry Community Council, said: “There are potential hazards along the walk, but what you see is what you get.
“If you don’t fancy it, then you can turn around and come back.”
Dunfermline Athletic FC legend and Provost of Fife Jim Leishman said he avoids the chain walk when completing his annual charity dander for the Mary Leishman Foundation.
“Some of the walkers do the chain walk. It’s not my cup of tea, but the people who go along it say it’s great when they’ve done it.”
