Bid to demolish Rescobie House Hotel after blaze damage

A popular Fife hotel faces the wrecking ball after being ravaged by fire.

A listed building consent for permission to demolish the Rescobie House Hotel in Leslie has been submitted to Fife Council after the local landmark sustained severe damage in a blaze earlier this year.

A renowned restaurant and hotel until it closed its door several years ago, the building is understood to have sustained irreparable damage in the April incident, which at one point required six fire appliances to bring the inferno under control.

While the cause of the fire has never been made public, local residents told The Courier that the building was regularly frequented by youths.

Local councillor Jan Wincott said that if demolition was granted then the building would be a notable loss to the community.

“In its heyday it was a very popular place.

“They served some brilliant meals there.

“I don’t know how bad the damage from the fire was or what the intention for the site is but it will be a big loss to Leslie.”

Meanwhile, Leslie Community Council chairman John Wincott said the body had already asked to be made a statutory consultee, allowing it to have as strong an input as possible on the final decision.

He said: “The community council is obviously concerned by the application and we will discuss this as a matter of urgency at our next meeting.

“If anybody wants to come along and contribute then we would be delighted to hear from them.”

Leslie Community Council next meets at Leslie Primary School on Tuesday September 19 at 7.30pm.