Views sought on proposed local takeover of Crail Community Hall

A well-loved East Neuk landmark could be taken into local ownership.

Crail Community Hall is being eyed for a community asset transfer by Crail Community Partnership.

Money has already been granted by the Scottish Land Fund for assessment of the B-listed building’s potential.

The team behind the venture now want to ascertain the level of local support.

The hall, designed by James Davidson Cairns, was built in 1909 as the United Free Church, later renamed Crail St David’s. It became the hall for Crail Parish Church in 1954 but is now owned by Fife Council.

During a recent Crail charrette, locals said finding a better use for the hall should be a priority.

Dennis Gowans, of the partnership, said: “The community hall is an iconic building which has huge potential to benefit the people of Crail, particularly those not well supported by existing community activities.

“Fife Council is supportive of a community asset transfer and we now want to engage with local residents to explore the extent of community support for taking the hall into community ownership, and converting it into a vibrant community and cultural hub, serving local needs and enhancing the quality of life in the town.”

Under charity ownership, applications could be made to funding sources such as the National Lottery.

Consultant Community Enterprise will gather views at a drop-in event in the hall tomorrow between 10am and noon. A survey can be completed online at surveymonkey.co.uk