A Kirkcaldy businessman is hoping pedal power will pull the public to the town’s promenade.
Tyrone Reekie launched a fleet of rickshaws on Saturday to ferry passengers up and down the town’s waterfront.
Although they are more often associated as a mode of transport in the world’s largest cities, the 46-year-old roofer is confident Kirkcaldy is geared up for its latest attraction.
“I’ve driven past this promenade every day and I kept seeing it empty and thinking that there really should be something here,” he said. “It’s a beautiful place and I decided to do something about it.”
While Mr Reekie is expecting visitors to come from far and wide to enjoy the rides, few visitors will have travelled as great a distance as the rickshaws themselves.
The vehicles have been brought to the Lang Toun from the streets of the Big Apple with one very important addition for the Scottish climate: a waterproof roof.
“I needed to get the rickshaws shipped over from Manhattan,” he added.
“They needed a wee bit of refurbishment but the American ones are much better made than the ones from China.
“They’ve been painted and are very colourful and now they’re like new.”
Rickshaw rides will operate seven days a week, according to Mr Reekie.
The new business will create seven jobs and, as well as providing rides up and down the prom for £5 a head, will also incorporate a new coffee stop on the waterfront.
Mr Reekie believes the public are fully behind his rickshaw operation, and he has big plans in mind for the area.
“I want to encourage people to use the prom more,” he said.
“I’m not expecting to make a lot of money but if it encourages people to use the prom then that’s a good enough reason to do it.
“The next thing I’m wanting to do is create a pier.
“I’m going to start a petition shortly for that as it would be great for Kirkcaldy.”
