Much-needed work on the famous Dutch Village within St Andrews’ Craigtoun Park has been brought to a surprise halt by a pair of nesting mallards.
Efforts to restore the site to its former glory are under way after years of falling into disrepair, with conservation work initially being focused on the boat house.
However, the project has suddenly stalled after workers discovered a ducks’ nest in the structure and cannot be restarted until the ducklings have fledged.
The island landmark has been a prominent feature of the popular Fife park since 1920 and, after the boat house refurbishment is done, the Friends of Craigtoun Park group – which took over running of the park five years ago – hopes to embark on a wider revamp of the remainder of the Dutch Village.
Mark Shaw, Fife Council’s heritage contracts supervisor, confirmed the nesting ducks were discovered when a scaffold was erected at the boat house, with no timescale as yet given on the latest delay.
“We are carrying out conservation work to the roof and external walls of the Boathouse, to help restore the building to its original specifications and former glory,” he explained.
“There is a duck nest on the site at present, which means that work is temporarily halted. “We are keeping a close eye on the progress of the ducks, and we will recommence work as soon as it is possible.”
Work on the boat house will include the removal of roof tiles and the installation of new roof timbers and gutters.
Render to the walls has also become loose and needs stripped back, while a realignment of pillars at the entrance and painting are required.
The nest, eggs or birds cannot be moved and are protected from any work which could force them to flee their nest.
Despite the setback, the picturesque park is gearing up for one of its busiest weekends of the year – the Easter fayre taking place on Saturday and Sunday.
North east Fife MP Stephen Gethins paid the venue a visit this week and praised the hard-working team at Craigtoun Park for making such a “fantastic asset” even better.
Hes said: “There is so much work going on and it’s great to see projects like the redevelopment of the Dutch Village which is a massive task.
“It was also good to hear about the links with the Scottish Prison Service at Castle Huntly and Fife Council’s community payback team which has given offenders, including skilled tradesmen, offered work experience at the park as part of their sentences.”