Rescue drama as man is trapped on East Neuk chain walk.

RNLI and coastguard crews called as member of group gets into difficulties

A man has been rescued from the notorious chain walk in Elie after being cut off by the tide.

Emergency services raced to the scene at around 10.40pm on Monday night.

A group of four men had been scrambling along the popular tourist attraction, with three of them managing to complete the rocky course.

However, a fourth man was unable to reach over the last chain, prompting a frantic call to the emergency services as the tide came in.

Coastguard rescue teams from St Andrews and Leven both raced to the scene alongside the RNLI Anstruther lifeboats, which safely rescued the stricken walker.

He was taken to Elie beach where he was handed into the care of the coastguard, but did not require medical treatment. A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “CRTs from St Andrews and Leven and the RNLI Anstruther lifeboats were tasked to a person cut off by the tide on Elie chain walk.

“Anstruther inshore LB rescued the person and returned them to shore. They did not require medical attention.”

The latest rescue comes just a week after emergency services raced to the scene after a woman fell and broke her ankle on July 16.

Safety fears have previously been raised about the chain walk, with walkers being urged to dress appropriately when tackling the halfkilometre course.

The route, often described as a scramble rather than a walk, requires a head for heights and visitors are also urged to check tide times in the area.

Solidly planted steel chains, rocks and footholds help those who decide to traverse the route, but walkers are advised to allow themselves between an hour and two hours to complete it.

Visitors are also advised to consider wearing a helmet for safety reasons.

“Anstruther inshore LB rescued the person and returned them to shore

Elie Chain Walk in the East Neuk, where a man had to be rescued late on Monday evening after getting into difficulties.