Coronavirus: Some facilities closed by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust to help prevent disease spread

The trust is adopting measures to protect staff, volunteers and members of the public, by reviewing how services are delivered in light of this threat.

The team will work to ensure access to beaches, the Fife Coastal Path, Fife Pilgrim Way and local nature reserves, however certain facilities have been closed temporarily to limit the risk of spreading the virus.

The measures came into force on Saturday and will see the facilities closed initially for 14 days.

Those facilities affected are the toilets at St Andrews’ West Sands block one, St Andrews’ East Sands (disabled), Craigmead, Aberdour Black Sands and those at the Harbourmaster’s House, Dysart. All other toilets are currently closed due to seasonal opening times.

The trust has also closed all bird hides, ranger bases, the Pitcairn Centre and the Harbourmaster’s House and Bistro.

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Jeremy Harris, CEO of Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, said: “It has become increasingly clear that the main risk of COVID-19 in the UK is the speed of transmission and the health services being overwhelmed.

“We all need to do what we can to flatten the curve of infections and protect the most vulnerable.

“There is increasing evidence that ‘social distancing’ is the most effective way to do this.

“While there is a limited amount that the FCCT can do,

“we are in the fortunate position of being able to put such measures in place relatively easily compared to other organisations.

“I believe we have a duty to do all we can and that we need to act as early as possible.

“The Trust Teams are working together to ensure our sites are maintained despite adjustments to working schedules and responsibilities.

“We are also working closely with Fife Council to ensure compliance with their guidance.”

The trust will share regular updates through its Facebook page and its website.