Anstruther’s Dreel Halls makeover gets £360,000 boost

eastneuk: CAsh will eo towArRs the next rhAse of work to urerARe the venue’s interior

Residents in Anstruther are celebrating after work on the historic Dreel Halls was handed a £360,000 boost.

The charity which manages it, Anstruther Improvements Association (AIA), has secured the massive windfall from the Scottish Government’s regeneration capital grant fund which supports projects which involve communities in disadvantaged areas and tackle inequality.

Liberal Democrat councillor Donald Lothian, convener of north east Fife area committee, said it was great news for Anstruther and the broader area.

He added the AIA had done sterling work to deliver a “thriving and resilient community” and improve Anstruther.

“The Dreel Halls are an integral part of the historic fabric of the town and this investment will ensure the building is accessible to all and delivers an enhanced range of activities for the whole community,” he added.

The investment means the future of the key heritage site and community space is now one step nearer to being secured.

The money will go towards the next phase of work to upgrade the interior.

This will improve its long-term sustainability by increasing energy efficiency, extending and increasing its use, and ensuring accessibility.

AIA president Christine Palmer said: “The AIA is extremely pleased that this funding recognises the potential of Dreel Halls within the community.

“The committee are working hard to secure match funding and we hope works can start later this year.”

Fife Council’s economy convener, Labour councillor Altany Craik, added: “This is a very welcome investment in Fife.

“Since the fund first opened in 2014 almost £4 million has been awarded to projects across the kingdom delivering regeneration at the heart of our communities.”

The only public space in Wester Anstruther, Dreel Halls now belongs to AIA, following a restoration programme to the exterior in 2013.

It is made up of two community halls and St Nicholas Tower and is a community hub which organisations and individuals can hire, but also programmes its own community events and activities from the halls.

It aims to serve the entire community, but has a special interest in young people and older people, who both experience challenges posed by the location and profile of the town.

The AIA is extremely pleased that this funding recognises the potential of Dreel Halls within the community. CHRISTINE PALMER

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. Christine Palmer, left, president of Anstruther Improvements Association, with committee member Chloe Milne and her 18-month-old daughter Robin Ritchie Milne.