'Kirkcaldy needs its Kelpies' - MSP's call for ambitious waterfront plan
Could Kirkcaldy get its answer to the Kelpies to transform its waterfront?
That’s the ambitious challenge from David Torrance MSP as the town looks to capitalise on its £20million UK Government Growth Mission Funding.
The money, which is meant to spark a town centre and waterfront transformation, has sparked a huge debate on where, and how, it should be invested, with Fife Council being pushed to listen to what locals want.
It is due to update the community on its masterplan later this month, and Mr Torrance’s pitch for a massive sculpture to make the town a must-visit destination puts a new idea on the table.
Following his re-election as MSP for a fourth term, the SNP politician outlined a proposal for an iconic attraction.
He stressed that Kirkcaldy has a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to think creatively and position itself as a must-visit destination and highlighted the potential economic impact such a development could deliver for local businesses and the wider community.
At the centre of his vision is the idea of an eye-catching, large scale piece of public art - such as a pair of illuminated whales rising from the Forth - that would serve as a landmark attraction and a focal point for regeneration efforts in the town centre.
His idea comes as artist Kerry Wilson completed a mural of a whale on one of the waterfront buildings – the latest in a number of public art installations popping op across the town centre.
While acknowledging that the concept may spark debate, the MSP stressed that the specific design is less important than the ambition behind it.
Mr Torrance said: “Kirkcaldy has a real opportunity to put itself on the map. With the land that’s going to be made available, we need to think out of the box so that we can attract people not only from Scotland, but from across the world.”
“Some people may laugh at the idea, but whales are just a suggestion. What matters is that we do something bold, something iconic, something that makes people stop, take notice, and want to come here.”
Drawing a comparison, he pointed to the widely recognised success of The Kelpies in Falkirk, the two towering horse-head sculptures that have become one of Scotland’s most visited attractions.
“The Kelpies cost around £5 million to build and have generated an estimated £81 million in economic value for the local area. That’s a transformational return on the initial investment.”
He continued: “Imagine what that kind of impact could mean for Kirkcaldy, for our bars, our cafés, our restaurants, our shops, and our leisure sector. Increased footfall would breathe new life into the town centre, support jobs, and create opportunities.”
Unlike Falkirk’s industrial surroundings, Kirkcaldy boasts natural and historic assets that could make any landmark even more compelling as a visitor destination.
“We have an incredible setting, a stunning beach and coastline, a mile-long promenade, Ravenscraig Castle on one side and Seafield Beach on the other. Very few places can offer that combination.”
He also highlighted the increasing presence of marine wildlife in the Firth of Forth as an additional attraction.
“We’ve seen a significant rise in whale activity in recent years. Visitors could come not only to admire an iconic structure but also to ‘whale spot’ from it, creating a unique experience you simply can’t get elsewhere.”
The MSP warned that failing to seize this opportunity could prove a costly mistake for the town’s future.
“It will be a completely missed opportunity if this land is used for something conventional. We need vision. We need ambition. And we need to think about how we create something that benefits Kirkcaldy for generations to come.”
If we get this right, we can create something that not only draws people here but gives residents a real sense of pride in their town.”