Cafe at popular Fife tourist attraction to close permanently

The closure was confirmed today by Jeremy Harris, CEO of Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, which has its headquarters based at the B-listed 19th century building in Hot Pot Wynd.

The Harbourmaster’s Bistro had been run by Fife Council but Mr Harris said the financial viability of the facility has been under scrutiny for a number of years and it was felt changes were required.

He said the enforced closure has been brought forward as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Harris confirmed the move after rumours began circulating on social media about the future of the bistro at the harbour, which is famed for featuring as a location in the popular television series ‘Outlander’.

He told Fife Today: “The Harbourmaster’s House building has been closed to the public since lockdown was imposed. The Coastal Centre will be re-opening once it is possible to do so while complying with Government guidance related to Covid-19.

“The Harbourmaster’s Bistro was a facility run by Fife Council. The financial viability of this facility has been under scrutiny for several years and it is was clear that changes were needed. The enforced closure due to Covid-19 accelerated the process.

“Furthermore, complying with social distancing as staff return to work requires additional space. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust have therefore formally notified Fife Council that their services at the Bistro will no longer be required.”

He continued: “We view Harbourmaster’s House as a public amenity as well as our headquarters and main office.

“We exist to serve the communities of Fife and this underpins all of our decision making. As such, despite an uncertain future for everyone, FCCT is committed to providing the public with access to and services from Harbourmaster’s House.”

He added: “We are not yet decided on what exactly these will be but will do what we can to keep people informed.”

Tariq Ditta, facilities manager with Fife Council, said the local authority would be working with employees affected by the closure.

He said: "Following the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust's decision to close the Harbourmaster's House Bistro, we are supporting and working closely with those affected staff including looking at other employment opportunities and options with Fife Council."

Meanwhile, local councillor Ian Cameron said he had had a long discussion with Mr Harris about the situation and said the closure of the bistro will be a loss to the community in Dysart.

He said: “My understanding is that the cafe, which is actually run by the Council and not the Trust, has been making a substantial loss which had to met from the budget of the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust.

“The cafe service was then being reviewed by the Trust anyway but the pandemic has accelerated that process with the decision being made to close the cafe in its present format.

“Personally I liked the cafe because of its situation and it was frequented by many locals and walkers alike so it will be a loss to the community. That being said I believe that the Trust are looking into the provision of a takeway service that will service local people visiting or walkers using the Coastal Path.”

He added: “I am reassured that the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust are committed to the local community. I am in discussions with local groups about funding projects and the FCCT are key players and have come up with some great ideas.

“The Harbourmaster’s House will remain a key base for the Trust and the building will remain a community asset that will promote engagement with the community.”