Vandals have attacked a newly opened LGBT+ cafe and community hub in Kirkcaldy twice in the same evening.
CCTV images captured youths throwing eggs at windows of the facility – known as the Hive – Pink Saltire’s LGBT+ community hub on Whytescauseway.
The incident happened at around 9.15pm on Monday.
Just minutes earlier in a separate incident, eggs were also hurled at the building from a passing car narrowly missing customers and striking windows.
It is the third time the hub, which supports members of the LGBT+ community across Fife, has been targeted by vandals since it opened for business in June.
The hub took over the vacant unit left by the former Goldbergs department store last May.
Third attack on hub since opening in June
Windows of the main building were daubed with homophobic graffiti just days after it first opened.
Images captured by security cameras of Monday night’s attacks show a group of youths passing the building with individuals allegedly throwing objects at the windows.
Stuart Duffy, founder of Pink Saltire, told The Courier that the double attack was “disappointing”.
He said: “We’re not sure whether this was merely Halloween high-jinks or something more serious but to be targeted twice in quick succession is disappointing for everyone involved.
“As the hub was closing staff were pelted with eggs from a passing white vehicle.
“Thankfully they missed customers outside but hit the windows.
Eggs pelted at every window
“Then, shortly after we closed, the CCTV has captured a group of upwards of 15 youths, four of which hurled 15 or 16 eggs hitting every one of the windows.
“We’ve reported the incidents to the police but have been informed it could be 10 days before we can speak to officers about the incidents.”
Stuart says they were determined not to be affected by the latest attack and vowed to keep going.
He added: “It’s frustrating for all involved especially as the first three months since we opened have been a huge success.
“We know the vast majority of the public support what we are doing and we have so many ideas and plans for the coming year.
Last night The Hive was egged by youths in a white Corsa. It’s the third act of vandalism on our premises and we’ve only been open under 3 months.
They will not intimidate us or force our closure, but it does get exhausting dealing with this stuff. 😡🏳️🌈🏴 pic.twitter.com/9EHTTZ63Eu— The Hive LGBT+ Centre (@TheHiveLGBTFife) November 1, 2022
“We won’t be put off by the actions of a tiny minority determined on spoiling it.”
The latest attacks have been roundly condemned.
One shop owner, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal, called those responsible “mindless idiots”.
Attacks condemned by locals
He added: “Sadly it’s now the third time the Hive has been targeted which is horrible.
“The centre is helping to bring much needed footfall to this part of the town centre.
“It’s so depressing and needs to be stopped.”
Kirkcaldy MSP, David Torrance, described the attacks as “disgusting”.
“Yet again a small-minded minority have thought it a good idea to attack what is a vital and much welcomed facility which supports members of the LGBT+ community right across Fife.
“There is no place for vandalism or abuse, homophobic or otherwise in any part of society and it’s disappointing that this has happened here in Kirkcaldy.
“The overwhelming majority of people support the facility which is an asset to the town centre.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 12.20pm on November 1 police received a report of an incident that took place the evening before at premises on Whytecauseway, Kirkcaldy.
“Officers will be speaking to the reporter to gather more information.”
