Breathing new life into Inverkeithing

Work has started to repair Inverkeithing Town House. It comes as part of the wider Inverkeithing’s Heritage Regeneration scheme being delivered by Fife Historic Buildings Trust and Fife Council.

The scheme will see the immediate area around the Civic Centre on Queen Street, which forms part of the setting for the historic Friary building, upgraded.

The work will create accessible community spaces in the town centre, while also repairing the landmark town house, which is an A-listed building.

The project is funded by Fife Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Lorraine Bell, manager at Fife Historic Buildings Trust, said: “The Town

House will be a busy space again, used by all generations in the town centre for meetings, birthday parties, exhibitions, dances, and much more.

“Contractors are on site carrying out repairs to the historic fabric and hope to be finished by February 2023.

“A new lift is being installed to ensure that the Town House can be enjoyed and used by everyone.

“There are archaeologists who are sensitively managing excavations in the graveyard, which are necessary to install the lift.”

Fife Council bosses hope the Town House will open to the public by next summer.

Last year it was revealed graves at the adjacent Inverkeithing Parish Church could be disturbed during the revamp, but residents were assured that strict protocols were to be

put in place throughout to handle any disturbed graves with sensitivity and respect.

David Barratt, convener of the council’s south and west Fife area committee, said: “It’s great to see work start.

“Local people have been involved in the design proposals for the building over many months and their contributions have made a huge difference.

“The new local organisation who will manage the Town House is also looking for support from anyone who would like to get involved.

“If you think you might be able to help with marketing, income generation – or anything else – then they would love to hear from you.”

To get involved, email inverkeithing@fifehistoric buildings.org.uk

SENSITIVE: Work on the Town House is being handled with care, with strict protocols in place.

The Town House will be open to the public next year.