Viewforth fire: Call to move quickly to clear devastated site

Developers hoping to build on the site of the fire-ravaged Viewforth High School in Kirkcaldy must make every effort to salvage what they can, a councillor has said.

The former high school was destroyed in a devastating blaze last weekend - the third fire this year at the Loughborough Road building

While the two teaching wings were spared, the main school was reduced to a charred shell by flames which could be seen across the Forth.

Local reaction was one of anger and sadness, with local councillors expressing hope that the site would rise once again.

It has been earmarked for 86 homes as part of a major housing development from Whiteburn Projects of Edinburgh. Its hopes of securing planning permission were delayed by the coronavirus lockdown, and the company hopes to place it before councillors in September.

Councillor Ian Cameron said: “ “I believe the developers will make every effort to salvage what they can. The community would expect no less.”

He described the fire a “callous, criminal act” while fellow ward councillor, Rod Cavanagh, said he was “shocked and appalled.”

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The damage was centred on the original stone building, but the two-story former teaching block was saved and has been made secure.

Comparisons with the 2017 blaze which caused significant damage to the adjacent, historic listed Eastbank building were made.

Cllr Cameron said: “When it was set alight there was great sadness in the community at what was lost, and that building was only a small part of the school.

“Thousands of pupils passed through the doors of Viewforth High School at that site so the impact is enormous

.“The perpetrators were determined. ”They were hell bent on causing destruction on a grand scale.”

Cllr Cameron said he was confident the developers behind the proposed housing project would make every effort to salvage what they can – but they still need full planning permission to begin work, and nothing will happen until the structure has been assessed.

The emergency services have formally handed the site back to Fife Council to begin its assessments.

Councillor Neil Crooks, who is convener of Kirkcaldy area committee, does not want it to be left to stand as a charred mess.

He said: “The single storey original school building has extensive fire damage, but the two storey former teaching block has been saved and the site has been secured.

“The site is still owned by Fife Council which will no doubt continue with their discussions with the developer.

“Personally, I would not like the site to be left in its current condition for any longer than necessary so would encourage site clearance operations should be high on the agenda.”

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Cllr Crooks said it was was “extremely sad and upsetting” when a school full of history and memories goes up in flames, and added: “ It is fortunate that in this case the building was empty, and discussions on development of the site were well advanced, but the impact on the local community cannot be over stated.

“The response from the emergency services was swift and effective in ensuring public safety.

“Emergency services returned the site to us with no reported injuries to personnel which is another positive outcome from a very hazardous incident.”

Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance said: “I was devastated to see pictures of the fire and its aftermath.

“It was a historic building which held many fond memories for former pupils and staff from across Kirkcaldy.

“It is sad to see another iconic landmark and further piece of Kirkcaldy’s history disappear in this way.”