Look for the ballooons

Margot Hailey 7 Craigkennochie Terrace

Susan Smith 72 Ferguson Place

Leo du Feu 68 Ferguson Place art and free cakes (NOT open next weekend)

Malcolm Barton (NOT open next weekend)

Studio of Susy Kirk and Susie Redman Unit 9, The Platform, Old Station House, Forth Place

Also some history of the docks and railway (courtesy of the Heritage Centre – also open today)

Gingerbread Designs Unit 12a, The Platform Building, Old Station House, Forth Place

Lots of bands, story telling, face painting and a music drum workshop.

1 ‘til 8

Children free.

Also a nomination for “Community Involvement”.

This pillbox has managed to survived for nearly 80 years and remain free of graffiti.

It was built to protect the harbour from German aircraft visiting the Forth.

It’s been climbed over, picnicked on, jumped off and hung out on by many local people.

The spraypainter probably thought this concrete monolith needed brightening up – or perhaps people visiting this tranquil corner of Burntisland need reminding which country they are in!

People visit the peninsula for many reasons – dog walking, boat watching, bird watching, fish catching – even the chance of seeing whales (January and February).

Unfortunately a tiny number of people prefer a bit of destruction. A few discard cans and bottles (a small minority of dog owners think it’s ok to clean up after their dogs and then throw the bag into the bushes.)

The Community Councillor with responsibility for environmental issues, John Bruce, said “I most certainly condemn vandalism within the Town and especially in this area where people should be able to visit in peace and quiet to look at the beautiful view over the Forth”.

The Lammerlaws isn’t just a nice place to be, it’s also an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), partly because of the fragile soils and plant life.

It’s no place for barbecues, campfires or graffiti.

The Community Council has a plan to improve access for people with mobility difficulties. Grander plans to create an ‘attraction’ have been scaled back after a consultation exercise raised concerns about too many people having an adverse effect.

It’s a fine balance. In the past, the number of people visiting wore away the path surfaces, but too few visitors leads to a sense of neglect.

It’s presumed that this building is owned by Fife Council and that they will be quick to remove the paint. Nearby is an even older structure – the lime kiln – which also needs some careful conservation.

Update –

https://twitter.com/cllrkathleen/status/1169171968555397120

Fife Council couldn’t get a powerwasher close, so just painted over the graffiti, in white.

Today Burntisland marked 80 years since the start of the Second World War, with a flag raising ceremony on Merchant Navy Day.

Community Councillor John Bruce (centre) explained the background to the assembled group which included local councillors and merchant seamen.

“Since the start of this century the 3rd of September has been the UK’s designated Merchant Navy Day, the UK’s prosperity has of course been dependent on the merchant navy since the beginning of international trade.

“But only during the Two World Wars did the British public realise that without merchant navy ships and brave seafarers, the UK would soon be starved of food and other essential supplies.

“While many people know that the 3rd of September 1939 marked the outbreak of the Second World War, few are aware that it also marks the first major British maritime casualty, the merchant vessel SS Athenia, torpedoed just a few hours after hostilities were declared, with the loss of 128 passengers and crew.

“Although many hundreds of merchant ships and thousands of seafarers would meet the same fate in the years to come, the 3rd of September is now enshrined as Merchant Navy Day to honour the brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both World Wars, and even during peacetime – and continue to face – the more routine perils of violent storms and mountainous seas.

“By us raising the Red Ensign we remember them and the debt we all owe to merchant seafarers past and present.”

He also read out a message from HRH The Earl Of Wessex President Of Seafarers UK –

“On this Merchant Navy Day, I very much hope you will support this campaign by Seafarers UK to remember the sacrifice, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy. Too often they are the forgotten or invisible service, by raising the Red Ensign you will ensure that at least on this day they are remembered. Your act will mean so much to their families and to the retired, but most especially to those at sea.”

The flag will fly until Friday.