Fife: Storm-damaged Kinghorn Harbour needs £24,000 worth of repairs, report warns

The Kinghorn harbour slipway and coastal wall must be repaired soon before the costs and consequences begin to rise.

Fife’s Communities and Neighbourhoods service will ask Kirkcaldy area committee for a £24,000 investment next week.

They say if the investment isn’t made the damage is left unaddressed, it risks the possible collapse of the coastal wall – leaving the RNLI station and other properties inaccessible.

“The coastal wall supporting St James Place, above the slipway, incurred significant localised failures following storm Ciaran, restricting access to the properties and RNLI station,” an agenda report explained.

“Failure to undertake these repairs substantially increases the likelihood of additional failures and risks possible collapse of the coastal wall, preventing access to the RNLI station and properties, as well as placing the properties at risk to coastal erosion.”

The coastal wall needs nearly £6,500 worth of masonry and concrete repairs. The slipway needs approximately £17,500 worth of concrete repairs and rock infill.

Repairs to reinstate the slipway are estimated at £17,508.78 and will consist of concrete repairs and rock and cobble infill.

“The beach provides amenity use for local residents and tourists alike,” the report continued.

“The sight of coastal damage will present a less than welcoming view of the area and could have consequential effects on the local economy, through reduced numbers to the beach.”

Additionally, the slipway and coastal wall act as an important buffer against coastal erosion. That barrier will become more important as climate changes bring more frequent and severe storms to Fife.

If the funding is approved by the local area committee next week, the works are expected to be completed by the end of May.

The committee will consider the £24,000 request for money from the Common Good Fund next Tuesday.