Six people with links to East Neuk have tested positive for the virus

Individual case at popular inn being investigated by NHS health teams

Six people with links to the East Neuk have tested positive for Covid-19, NHS Fife has confirmed.

Health protection team staff are investigating whether the cases could be linked to the Kinneuchar Inn in Kilconquhar, which closed for 10 days on Friday after a coronavirus case was identified.

All confirmed cases are said to have mild symptoms and have been asked to isolate at home.

Test and Protect teams are in the process of contacting anyone who visited the premises at the time the first positive case was there, and asking them to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms.

They have carried out a risk assessment and said they believe the risk of onward transmission to be low.

Yesterday’s announcement came as Scotland recorded 176 new Covid cases in the previous 24 hours, including two in Fife. The Kinneuchar Inn, run by renowned chef James Ferguson and his partner Althea Palmer, reopened at the end of July after months of closure during the national lockdown.

They have complied with health officials’ advice to close again temporarily as a precautionary measure in light of Friday’s confirmed case.

Mr Ferguson said staff had been following the laws on hygiene and social distancing “to the letter” and that he was devastated a positive case had been linked to the inn.

He said the safety of both staff and customers was paramount.

“We reopened in July very cautiously, initially only allowing dining outdoors, and have been extremely mindful of adhering to government guidelines and following best practice around preventative coronavirus measures,” he said.

“We’re absolutely gutted to have had a positive case linked to the inn and will, of course, close for the recommended period of time before reassessing the situation after what we assume is an isolated incident.”

NHS Fife deputy director of public health Dr Esther Curnock said: “It is important that anyone experiencing the well-established symptoms such as a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste; arranges to be tested using the UK Government Citizens’ Portal or by calling 0800 028 2816.”

We’re absolutely gutted to have had a positive case linked to the inn and will, of course, close for the... period of time. JAMES FERGUSON, KINNEUCHAR INN

The Kinneuchar Inn, Kilconquhar, closed its doors on Friday after a coronavirus case was identified.