Save The Mary: Fears over future of crumbling pithead at Lochore Meadows
Fears have been raised that a lasting reminder of Fife’s rich coal mining history could soon disappear from the landscape unless urgent action is taken.
Time has not been kind to the iconic Mary Pit Head Frame at Lochore Meadows, and the 102-year-old structure has fallen into serious disrepair.
With large chunks of concrete coming loose and falling from high up in the crossbeams, concerns have now been raised locally that Fife Council – as the structure’s owners – may opt to demolish the scheduled historic monument rather than fork out cash for repairs.
A petition has now been launched to gather public support for what could prove to be costly remedial works, but those behind the project feel the price tag – whatever it may be – would be worth paying to preserve such a key part of the Kingdom’s heritage.
Tom Kinnaird, chair of Benarty Community Council, said he has been heartened by the messages of support already given to the “Save the Mary” campaign but has called on Fife councillors to turn their attention to the issue as a matter of urgency.
“In 2017 it was becoming obvious that some of the steel reinforced concrete beams were suffering from delamination,” he explained.
“In 2018 we persuaded Historic Environment Scotland to come to the Meedies and undertake an inspection and although they could
see the issues with the frame, they took the decision not to request remedial works.
“Fastforwardtonowandsafety fencing has had to be erected to keep members of the public at a safe distance.
“If a large enough piece of concrete was to fall and clip a lower beam on the way down, sending it outwards, it could well deal a fatal blow to anyone standing close enough.”
Mr Kinnaird added that the park’s advisory group, the Friends of Lochore Meadows, subsequently submitted a costed bid of just under £5000 to engage a chartered civil engineer to carry out inspection works and compile a report into what remedial works would entail.
However, that application was rejected by Fife Council – a decision Mr Kinnaird reckons
signalled their “apparent lack of interest” to perform their duties as owners and stewards of the Mary.
“Works of this magnitude don't come cheap. However, as a Scheduled Monument and a historic and heritage asset to Fife which has to be one of our most visited and photographed local landmarks, it surely must justify the care and attention it needs,” he said.
Fife Council has confirmed that efforts are ongoing to preserve the pit head, but money to pay for the repairs remains elusive.
Ian Laing, who manages Lochore Meadows Country Park, said: "Fife Council engineers have been working in partnership with the council’s archaeologist and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to find a way forward.
"A plan to laser scan the structure and to take samples for material analysis has been agreed and a general plan for the repair works has been outlined but, so far, we've been unable to secure the significant sums needed to deliver the specialist engineering and conservation works required for the winding gear.”