A newly-formed steering group intends to erect a plinth this year to mark the birthplace of world-class musician Sir Jimmy Shand.

And, what's more, the timing is note perfect since 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Bill Barker, who chaired a meeting last week in which plaque proposal was approved, has been in touch with Jimmy Shand's family.

He said: "Jimmy Shand Jnr said he was delighted and he knew that his father would have been really chuffed with this idea because he had really been in love with East Wemyss."

The plaque and plinth will be placed on East Wemyss beach behind the Old Kirk, just opposite where the Queen's favourite accordionist was born.

He was the sixth of nine children born to Mary and Erskine Shand, who also played the melodeon and encouraged his son from a very early age.

Mr Barker said: "When people talk about Jimmy Shand they think he was from Auchtermuchty but he was only domiciled there.

"We feel that something ought to be done to mark the place of his birth – just like other Scottish notables such as Rabbie Burns.

"We are going ahead through a wee steering group comprised mainly of octogenarians – like me!"

The idea was originally mooted by Alec Darwood and has been taken forward by the East Wemyss Preservation Society.

The group does intend to ask Jimmy Shand Jnr or another member of the Shand family to perform the unveiling but they don't intend to make a 'song and dance' about it.

"We are not intending to go big on this.

"We will keep it very low key just like Jimmy Shand would have wanted," said Mr Barker.