Pete Cura, now a member of Cupar Community Council, said it was 'fantastic' to see the first turf being cut on the project, which is due for completion next May, some 15 years after he began his crusade to save the hospital from closure.

The single-storey, 'U'-shaped building will provide accommodation for 18 elderly patients with dementia.

As well as single bedrooms with en suite facilities, the new unit will include a centrally-situated communal area and a secure sensory garden.

Bob McLean, general manager, Mental Health Services for NHS Fife, said: "The unit will provide the highest quality and modern facilities for those patients who require a high level of care.

"Clinical staff have been heavily involved with the architects in the design of the ward, and have consulted with the Dementia Research Centre at the University of Stirling concerning best practice for this client group."

Mr Cura began his battle to save Stratheden after being impressed by the care received by his mother.

He explained: "The nurses were worried about the rumours that the hospital was going to close and I decided to take up their cause.

''They looked after my mother so well that I felt it would be a crime if Stratheden were to be axed.

"At the time, care in the community was in vogue, and hospitals were being shut left right and centre. I was determined that the same wouldn't happen to Stratheden.

"Over the years I've had so much help and support from many people, and to see this work starting after so long is truly fantastic.'

The development sets the seal on Stratheden's future as a key mental health facility in the Kingdom.

Mr McLean explained that the new ward is the first in a series of major capital projects by NHS Fife which will eventually result in Stratheden becoming one of two sites in Fife dedicated to mental health inpatient services, the other being in Dunfermline.

In-patient wards will eventually be re-located from the Whyteman's Brae facility in Kirkcaldy.