Anstruther’s historic lifeboat station must be saved from demolition, locals have urged.
The message from residents, community groups and business owners came over loud and clear at a hastily arranged public meeting in the town.
The talks were held after The Courier revealed last week that the existing boathouse could be torn down to make way for extra car parking.
Fears are growing among locals that the building, which has played an integral part in Anstruther’s rich seafaring heritage since 1904, will disappear after the RNLI relocates to a new £7 million station to house its new Shannon Class vessel.
Around 50 people attended the meeting, organised by the town’s community council, to discuss ways to oppose the demolition plans as well as measures to breath new life into the building.
In a complex set of planning requirements, the RNLI has now applied for conservation area consent to allow for demolition of the existing building which sits on land leased by Fife Council.
Currently only the planning application for the new boathouse is valid. A separate proposal detailing demolition plans is due to go live in the coming weeks and will, if approved, create a number of additional car parking spaces.
Independent councillor Linda Holt told the gathering the boat shed had huge potential for either commercial or community use, but it was imperative the public made their feelings known.
She said Fife Council’s harbours department would be prepared to take on the role of landlord and could collect revenue from renting out parts of the building.
A number of future uses for the building, including a shop, tourist centre, community work spaces and accommodation for crews from visiting vessels were discussed. Members of Anstruther Rowing Club said they would be keen to relocate to the building if other organisations could be persuaded to do the same.
Commenting after Monday’s meeting, Andrew Peddie, community council chairman, said: “This level of excellent and constructive public engagement has been hugely beneficial and has given us a clear indication that they don’t want the boathouse to be demolished.”
Councillor Holt said: “Anstruther is a vibrant, can-do community and the meeting demonstrated a united appetite to retain and re-purpose the RNLI boat shed, while also increasing the capacity for coaches to visit Anstruther.
“Residents outlined a range of tourism and community needs the site could meet.
“I will be working with Fife Council to ensure the community’s energy and vision play a central role in determining the site’s future.”
