Inspection reveals more repairs to historic Dysart Harbour after major breach of sea wall

The additional work is expected to cost around £300,000, but doing it now will reduce the risk of further erosion and damages - and is also expected to lower the overall cost of the full, long‑term repair.

The breach followed a storm on February 4, resulting in significant damage to the historic structure.

The inspection confirmed that many of the fallen sandstone blocks can be reused to rebuild part of the sea wall, up to path level. These will be built onto the existing wall, with a new concrete foundation for added support.

Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of July, depending on weather conditions.

Initial inspections in March showed the huge gap in the Class B listed structure was found to be much wider than first thought spanning some 15metres, and Fife Council stepped in as the repair bill topped around £1.4million.

The council made funding available for some holding repairs, which were valued at around £250,000. Two specialist marine contractors were consulted regarding potential holding works. SouthBay Civil Engineering Limited will construct a temporary ramp over the sea wall that runs perpendicular to the harbour pier wall to provide access to the beach area and repair area.

It will also attempt to recover all visible masonry, which will be securely stacked on the pier walkway.

Repair work was scheduled to be completed by the end of July, weather depending.

Councillor Ian Cameron, convener of Kirkcaldy Area Committee, said: “The investigation has confirmed that we can reuse stone already recovered from the harbour to strengthen the sea wall while the contractor is on site. Doing this work now is the right approach, both to save money and to help prevent further damage.

“Dysart Harbour is very important to the local community, and this extra work will help protect it while plans for the full repair continue to be developed with Dysart Sailing Club.”

People are advised to stay away from the work area while repairs are ongoing and to follow any safety signs in place.