The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Walkers are advised to avoid area as large sinkhole closes part of Fife’s coastal path
The severe weather and coastal erosion combined to create a huge sinkhole which has closed a stretch of the Fife Coastal Path.
The route between Dysart and West Wemyss, a favourite for local walkers, was shut off on Thursday as a precaution after the sinkhole was discovered.
A large section of the path near the Fairy Garden, West Wemyss has collapsed.
Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, which manages the 117-mile tourist route, has cordoned off the affected area.
The group urged people to avoid the path between Dysart and West Wemyss while work to shore it up is carried out.
A trust spokesperson confirmed the path is closed to the public from Edington Place in Dysart to West Wemyss due to “significant damage”.
“The land manager has arranged for remedial works to take place, and therefore walkers are advised to avoid the area until further notice,” the spokesperson said.
The land is owned by the Wemyss Estate.
There are concerns more holes might appear as the spell of bad weather continues, and councillor Ken Caldwell warned people to be careful.
“I would urge all walkers to take care in our paths,” he said.
“Many in Levenmouth are on old mine workings and unfortunately sinkholes can appear out of nowhere.
“However, on this occasion the weather may have contributed to it.”
He added: “Coastal erosion is a constant worry and it is something that I am regularly in contact with council officers about.”
The landslip is the latest to hit the Fife coast.
The coastal path was closed near Seafield last year after part of it washed away in storms.
Diversions were also put in place near Burntisland after a bridge washed away.
A report by the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage highlights the Wemyss Caves, St Andrews Links golf courses and Ravenscraig Castle in Kirkcaldy as among areas at serious risk from coastal erosion due to climate change.