A glimpse of a fully-restored Dutch Village in Craigtoun Park has been given by the renovation of its boathouse.
Scaffolding has come down on a section of the dilapidated buildings in the St Andrews park.
The £120,000 facelift has delighted visitors to the country park, many of whom have fond memories of visiting the iconic Dutch Village before it fell into disrepair and was closed to the public.
The Friends of Craigtoun Park, who have reinvigorated the previously ailing park since they took over its management in 2013, aspire to return the cluster of buildings in the boating pond to their former glory and reopen them to visitors.
Chair Kyffin Roberts said the work on the boathouse was a great start towards the long-term goal.
Delighted with the result, he said: “We are a long way from having the Dutch Village open but this is a step in the right direction.”
The work commissioned by Fife Council began early in 2017 but was beset by problems, including birds nesting in the structures, which meant refurbishment had to be put on hold to avoid disturbing them.
Mr Roberts said: “The work has taken a lot longer than expected as there have been lots of delays. It has taken almost 18 months, when it should have been about three.”
The Dutch Village and two connecting lakes were commissioned by the Younger family in 1920, designed by Paul W Whitehouse.
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A specialist contractor was hired to conduct its restoration sensitively.
The rich colour of the restored boathouse contrasts with the flaking white of the surrounding buildings.
However, the paintwork is thought to be closer to the original colour of the buildings when they are erected.
It is anticipated the cost of full restoration of the buildings will run into seven figures and a major fundraising campaign will be needed.
It was hoped that renovation of the boathouse would provide a clearer picture of the likely cost and best methodology, but the delays have muddied the waters.
