Fife’s outdoor sauna scene is growing across the coast.

The latest addition is the people’s sauna which aims to make things much more accessible to all.

It was one of the projects which secured funding though Fife Concil’s ‘You Decide’ public vote in Kirkcaldy last year, and is now up and running at at Kinghorn Loch.

The donation-based, pay-as-you-can initiative was the brainchild of Gilly Neill from Kirkcaldy who is keen to bring her sauna to different locations.

The People's Sauna was launched by Gilly Reid (Pics: Submitted)

placeholder image — The People's Sauna was launched by Gilly Reid (Pics: Submitted)

“We were originally at The Path and tried to find a settled spot there,” he said. “Now we are at Kinghorn Loch, but the beauty of the People’s Sauna is that it go anywhere. It pops up - it comes with me and fits in my 20 year old Corsa!”

The garden behind Merchants House at the east end of the High Street is one location in the diary as Gilly’s new project starts to get established across town.

“ A lot of people have come along to try it for the first time,” she said. “It has been amazing to see their transformation when they come out. The sauna has huge health benefits and brings great connection.”

The People’s Sauna launches at a time when outdoor saunas have become a staple part of many towns along the Fife coast, with many along the East Neuk.

“I was paying a lot of money every month just to go and use a sauna. I wanted to bring an accessible sauna to the area,” said Gilly. “There are lots of outdoor saunas along the coast, but they can be expensive. The idea behind the People’s Sauna is one that is accessible and encourages people to come and give it a try.

“No-one is turned away through lack of funds - they can try it by donation.”

Gilly admits the sauna is a passion.

“When I was 14 my my parents joined a health club. I got obsessed with the sauna there. I didn’t notice the health benefits as a kid, but it just felt great.” Time spent living in the USA led her to the Native American sweat lodges which use the elements of fire and water. I was hugely inspired by them,” she said. “I’m trying to bring that spirit to the People’s Sauna.”

> To find out more visit The People’s Sauna Facebook page.