Statue of Jack Vettriano’s The Singing Butler could become iconic landmark on Leven beach

Leven beach is said to have provided inspiration for The Singing Butler, one of the artist's best-known works.

By Claire Warrender

February 3 2023, 5:59am

A vision for Leven Promenade has been revealed. Image: Supplied by Fife Council.

A statue of Jack Vettriano’s The Singing Butler has been proposed for Leven beach in celebration of the artist’s local roots.

Plans for a multi-million-pound overhaul of the town’s waterfront have been revealed and designers say a coastal statue could become “an iconic landmark”.

It would be one of several artworks to be introduced along the coast and at park entrances, if funding is secured.

A Singing Butler statue is proposed for Leven beach — Artist Jack Vettriano beside a copy of The Singing Butler. Image: Supplied.

Also in the pipeline are an upgraded skatepark, better play equipment and cycles lanes.

And new lighting, signage and picnic facilities are suggested too.

The Singing Butler statue would stand on the beach near the mouth of the River Leven.

Vettraino grew up in Methil and and worked as a mining engineer before taking up painting full-time at the age of 40.

And Leven beach is said to have provided inspiration for The Singing Butler, one of the artist’s best known works.

It sold at auction for almost £750,000 in 2004, a record at the time for a Scottish painting.

Singing Butler statue among ‘exciting’ ideas for Leven Promenade

Fife Council must apply to national charity Sustrans for funding before work on the waterfront can get under way.

And it has warned it will likely face stiff competition from other projects across Scotland.

However, if successful, the Promenade is in for a complete overhaul.

Plans include a leisure hub at the beachfront car park. Image: Supplied by Fife Council.

Levenmouth area manager David Paterson said the end result would make an impact and become a key tourism asset.

Along with the Singing Butler statue, plans include:

Reopening the old railway bridge between Bayview and the town centre for cyclists and pedestrians.
Improved routes from the Promenade to the High Street via Branch Street, Forth Street and School Lane.
Wheelchair-friendly access to the beach.
An area to launch boats and a leisure hub offering bike hire and beachfront camping.
Enhanced routes to Silverburn Park.
An upgraded skate park with added height and variety.
A separate cycle and pedestrian path along the length of the Promenade.