Limekilns Heritage Trust

Russell Kelly spoke to the club about the Limekilns Pier Project. The pier has a long history of being maintained by the local community and it was recognised that the pier was falling into disrepair. Having called a public meeting a committee was formed to try and restore the pier. A formal trust was set up in 2017 as a registered charity.

In 2002 the Broomhall Estate had invited a tender to restore the pier and the quotation was excessive. A lease was set up to be agreed once funding is in place. Conservation engineers surveyed the pier and £7000 was received from Awards For All for a survey report. A £650,000 quote included using all new materials and was deemed too much. Applications made to numerous funders but got no joy because they were not providing any employment. 

Exacerbating years followed and meantime the pier was disintegrating. In 2021 a contractor filled in some of the pier but at that time it was discovered that the walls were intact. A £40000 + VAT fee would rectify the worst corner of the pier. The trust reckoned £100,000 was needed to complete the job.

To raise this money they came up with the idea of the Beacon Way.  As part of the restoration, the Limekilns Pier Beacon Way will be created and will consist of a path on the pier, formed of engraved Caithness stones. 

After the scheme was launched £20,000 was donated in first four months. In August 2022 the trust ordered the stone and these arrived in March 2023.  130 of these were laid on Monday and Tuesday 22nd and 23rd May this year.

Russell invited The Rotary Club of West Fife to gift a stone which will be given serious consideration and the club’s formal vote of thanks was given by Robert North.

Visit www.limekilnsheritagetrust.org