Public asked to help revive historic heart of Inverkeithing

Information day will provide training on improvements

A scheme to promote the regeneration of Inverkeithing’s historic heart is rallying residents and businesses to the local conservation cause.

Fife Council is holding a traditional building information day for property owners and residents from 9am to 3pm on Tuesday June 6 at the Civic Centre.

Dr Moses Jenkins, from Historic Environment Scotland, will lead the training event on maintenance techniques and energy efficiency improvements.

The information day will support the drive by Fife Council and Fife Historic Buildings Trust to secure funding from the Historic Environment Scotland conservation area regeneration scheme and Townscape Heritage to restore and repair historic town centre landmarks over a five-year period.

If the bid is successful, a grant scheme will be set up to help owners with the costs of improvement work, as part of a £3 million project to help safeguard the future of the area’s heritage. An event took place last December for locals to give their views to help shape how a major funding package could be used to regenerate the town centre.

This was a chance to comment on plans which show a range of options for future development of the Friary and the Town House.

Fife Council’s business and employability manager, Gordon Mole, said: “Traditional materials and techniques are important in the effective repair and maintenance of historic and traditional buildings to ensure that their character is maintained.

“Preserving the buildings that provide Inverkeithing’s architectural townscape is central to regeneration and economic growth.”

Topics will be relevant to the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings, and include building defects and maintenance, lime pointing and stonework repairs, timber, metalwork, slating, roof and window repairs, and energy efficiency improvements.

The afternoon session will focus on common repairs, title deeds and owners’ responsibilities, and a case study of Cupar, which has benefited from this funding.

Places are limited. To book contact Sharon Morrison – sharon.morrison@fife.gov.uk or call 03451 555555 ext 456743.

Traditional materials and techniques are important in the effective repair and maintenance of historic and traditional buildings. GORDON MOLE

Friary Hospitium will be a priority for investment if the funding bid is successful.