Bid to restore dilapidated doocot in Fife village

Boarhills and Dunino Community Trust has been granted a conditional award of £49,700 from Fife Environment Trust towards the restoration of a B-listed doocot.

The plot was purchased in 2018 with assistance from the Scottish Land Fund. Since its purchase, the local community has transformed the site into a well-kept community orchard.

A hedge has been planted and the intention is to provide seating and orientation information for walkers.

However, the community identified that restoring the doocot from its current dilapidated state was a priority, and has been seeking funding for the project in recent months.

Together with local fundraising, a total of just under £68,000 has been secured, with additional generous awards from the St Andrews Community Trust and St Andrews Heritage Trust.

The target is £78,000, based on fully costed plans for the restoration.

A trust spokesperson said: “It is our intention to make the building open and accessible to all once restored, so we can share this fabulous aspect of Fife’s heritage.”

Further funds are being sought so that the work can get underway early next year.