Iconic structure set for demolition

Deconstruction work on St John’s Works chimney will begin on Monday at 10am and the public have been invited to watch.

The building has been a key feature of Falkland since 1892, starting life as a linoleum works. Smith Anderson Paper took over the building in the 1960s and employed hundreds of workers.

The site is expected to be used for housing.

Work began on demolishing the structure last year, and the chimney is the last remaining part of the building.

On March 4, Visit Falkland are hosting the annual community gathering in the town hall. There will be discussion about the future of the site at the event.

Stuart Pearson, secretary of Visit Falkland, said: “This is a defining moment for Falkland. This is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

“The factory has brought a lot to the village and many residents settled here because of it.

“It is a sad day for many, while others have questions about the what is next and some are excited about the future.”