Opposition’s anger as locals ‘denied final say’ over proposals

The library news comes after SNP group leader Brian Goodall failed with an amendment calling for the people of Falkland to be given a vote on which delivery model they preferred – and for the original decision to close Abbeyview and Glenwood to be overturned.

His suggestions, Mr Goodall claimed, would also have seen funding allocated to Fife Cultural Trust to retain the two latter facilities.

Mr Goodall said: “In recognising the good work done by both Falkland Village Hall Trust and Lomond Pharmacy I think both proposals were worthy of full consideration, but the final decision should have been taken by the people of Falkland.

“In the case of Glenwood Library, while the community has undoubtedly worked very hard to propose an alternative delivery option, it, along with the very basic plans for Abbeyview, stop well short of the library service provision these communities need and deserve.

“It is extremely disappointing that our plans to save these libraries have been continually voted down.”

In relation to the idea of a Falkland vote, he explained: “It would be a small vote, it wouldn’t have to be a full-on referendum, and I think it is something that could be delivered relatively inexpensively.”

However, councillors voted 11-5 in favour of Mr Ross’s motion.

Glenrothes councillor Altany Craik said Mr Goodall’s amendment had been “opportunist at best”, and depute leader Councillor Kay Morrison added: “We should not be trying to slow the whole thing down by placing obstacles in people’s way.”

But fellow town councillor Julie Ford responded: “I find it highly offensive to be told that our repeated attempts to save these libraries are ‘opportunistic and populist’.

“This Labour administration is wiping their hands of responsibility and leaving it to the community to pick up the pieces – first we had foodbanks, now we have book-banks. Despite Glenwood Library being the eighth busiest library in Fife these closures have been decided with financial goggles on.”