The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dunfermline gasometers granted reprieve.
Dunfermline: HES says gasholders are an ‘iconic reminder of Fife’s industrial heritage’
Plans to dismantle Dunfermline’s gasometers are on hold because they may be historically important.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is reviewing SGN sites.
The gasholders, viewed by many as an eyesore, are among the earliest surviving examples of their building type in Scotland and are heralded as “an iconic reminder of Fife’s industrial heritage”.
The thought they may be listed, protected and stay is a “significant barrier” to the regeneration of the Grange Road site, according to the local MP.
Dunfermline and West Fife representative Douglas Chapman has called the proposal a “step too far”.
He said: “I can see the value in retaining historically important industrial buildings.
“But suggesting that a rusting, useless gas storage tank should be kept for historical reasons seems a step too far.
“SGN has no use for them, and they’ll not be used in the future.
“This is land that sits on the edge of an existing industrial estate and there is some room for expansion and job creation if the gasometers were removed.”
The site, next to Elgin industrial estate, is allocated as employment land.
A master plan for more than 2,000 houses has also been submitted for adjacent land.
Gas distribution giant SGN has offered to conduct detailed heritage recordings as an alternative to listing.
A report by the company stated: “If the holder is listed, this will mean a significant barrier to the regeneration and development of the Grange Road area.
“There are already examples of this type of gasholder listed in Scotland, so it seems unproductive to duplicate this.”
Mr Chapman added: “I’d like to hear from constituents for their opinion about this before a final decision is made.”
A spokesperson for HES said: “As part of a review of their estate, SGN requested we undertake an assessment of their gasholders to help identify which structures may be of special interest for listing.
“The two gasholders in Dunfermline were identified as being among the earliest surviving examples of their building type in Scotland and are an iconic reminder of Fife’s industrial heritage.
“We are continuing to engage with SGN, Fife Council and local communities.”
Proposals are currently available through the HES heritage portal on historicenvironment.scot where comments can be left before a final decision is taken.
I can see the value in retaining historically important industrial buildings. But suggesting that a rusting, useless gas storage tank should be kept for historical reasons seems a step too far. DOUGLAS CHAPMAN MP