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The straw for getting the fire started and the first set of pallets are here (more from Scott Pallets about 11).

The Shows arrived overnight and are setting up.

It’s stopped raining, the sun is coming out. Should be fine for the rest of the day with not much wind.

BUT tonight, wrap up well, wear ‘sensible’ shoes and remember remember – car parking is very limited (this year there are extra trains) and the Links is an alcohol free zone.

There are pubs, cafes and food outlets in and around the High Street – some opening later than on a normal Monday.

The event is FREE, just throw what you think it’s worth into the Stewards’ (wearing Event Group yellow) buckets so that there will be fire and fireworks on November 5th 2019.

(Yesterday)

Guy and photo by Starley Hall School

This year’s Guy will be delivered on Monday and placed on top of the bonfire that will have been built by Events Group volunteers.

Its fate remains to be seen…

Bonfire

From a Starley Hall School lesson

Photos from last year

Fireworks being set up

One of the shows being set up

Completed bonfire

Sticks aglow glow

Food stall

Going home

Going home 2

On Tuesday Councillors on the Kirkcaldy Area Committee agreed a “contribution towards a wider study including market analysis and feasibility work examining the potential for shore side infrastructure development to support tourism growth”.

This was on the list of “Kirkcaldy Area Projects” in the committee papers with the heading of “Burntisland – Tourism Infrastructure Project”. Fife Council is contributing £25,000.

The only thing that’s clear is that Forth Ports is looking to bring some cruise ships – and passengers – to the town. Whether that would be via shorter tender trips than needed to get to Newhaven or creating a pier for docking is unknown.

Apart from the actual Bay, there is more deep water close to the shore than on the other side of the Forth.

It is common for cruise passengers to be whisked away from ports, but at least in Burntisland there things close by to visit for anyone interested in history or local walks (guided or unguided), also the Shows, Games Day etc.

Some might even take a train trip somewhere – a fully accessible station would help.

Might look something like this –

© orkneyharbours.com

http://www.emec.org.uk/press-release-pier-extended-to-service-marine-renewables-industry/

New pier off here?

http://crew-center.com/edinburgh-scotland-cruise-ship-schedule-2018

https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/ship/

https://www.forthports.co.uk/media/releases/2541/Cruise+Forth+wins+Warmest+Welcome+award/

Whether ships will still call at Newhaven (long trip to shore in small boat) or Rosyth (larger ships can’t get under Forth bridges) is unknown.

This is what happens now at Rosyth –

“Arriving at Rosyth

Cruise ship passengers most frequently arrive in port around 8am, having sailed up the River Forth with the city of Edinburgh on the south side, and then passing directly under the majestic spans of the historic Forth Bridge, which has been carrying rail traffic for almost 125 years.

Rosyth is a busy industrial port. Once the boat is secure pre-booked excursions will leave directly from the ship’s side. Some ships also offer a coach service to a nearby rail station (Inverkeithing) where regular trains take you to a wide variety of destinations.

For those making their own plans for the day, please use the shuttle to the Terminal Building (two minutes) where a Welcome Team of local volunteers will be delighted to give you information on various options for your day.

The Welcome Team provide a free bus service throughout the day from the Terminal Building to Dunfermline (15 minutes), the ancient capital of Scotland, and to North Queensferry, in the shadow of the Forth bridges.

There is no shopping at the port although a range of souvenirs will be available.

The terminal lounge has free wifi for use by passengers and crew.

Taxis are available from the terminal building, with journeys to the rail station costing around £10 for four people.”

https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/rosyth-transit/

UPDATES

Some cruise ships are significant polluters.

In Orkney – “The very large ships, which are the trigger for road closures” https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/travel/scottish-town-named-top-cruise-ship-destination-in-western-europe-1-4966227

The Events Group has persuaded ScotRail to stop some extra trains at Burntisland before and after the Fireworks – for one night only.

Trains from Edinburgh before the fireworks

Trains from Kirkcaldy before the fireworks

Trains to Edinburgh after the fireworks

Trains to Kirkcaldy after the fireworks

Weather forecast

As predicted on Wednesday –

It may not be being lit until next Monday but the photo shows a Community Payback team arriving this morning to erect the chestnut pale fencing for the bonfire and fireworks launch exclusion zones.

On the edge of town a guy is being created…

The request by Central Burntisland Tenants and Residents Association for parking restrictions near the station (Kirkgate, Sommerville Square and West Leven Street) has been agreed to by the Kirkcaldy Area Committee.

This is in spite of the recommendation by officials that “it is considered that a residents parking scheme on these streets is not justified at this time”.

A TRO process (Traffic Regulation Order) will have to be undertaken. It is unknown when this will start or how long it will take.

Full details of submission and official response in committee papers.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/transport/burntisland-residents-win-battle-for-parking-permits-1-4823230

Many people are probably unware of the Burntisland Common Good Fund or at least unsure of some of the details.

The Common Good assets are buildings, land, investments and objects that were (generally) given to Burntisland and its people over many years and managed by the Town Council until it was abolished in 1975. The assets are now looked after by Fife Council and revenue usually dispersed by grants with the involvement of the Community Council.

This is not alway straightforward –

“Neither were members happy with the fact that Fife Council had approved a grant of £3,500 from Burntisland Common Good Fund”

“the present whereabouts of certain of Burntisland’s historical artefacts engendered considerable discussion and unease”

(From Community Council Meeting Reports 2002)

“The land and buildings which a burgh owned were made up of three main categories: those acquired under a statute (for example, land bought for council housing); land held on trust where a benefactor had provided for a specific trust to be administered by the fund; and Common Good property. What property now forms part of the Common Good Fund may sometimes need research, as it may not be obvious from the titles what property was acquired for.“

(Link with useful map)

(From agenda for Kirkcaldy Area Committee 30 October, 2018)

It will be coming through every door over the next few days.

You can see it online too (PDF).