The historic Dreel Halls in Anstruther have reopened following a £700,000 repairs project.

Under the scheme, the former Hew Scott Hall, St Nicholas Tower and Wester Anstruther Town Hall were transformed with external repairs carried out to the buildings, courtesy of Fife Historic Buildings Trust.

The work is the first stage in giving the buildings a new lease of life as the Dreel Halls, owned and operated by the Anstruther Improvements Association (AIA). It is also an important part of the Council's Anstruther Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

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Throughout the project, Fife Historic Buildings Trust have project-managed the extensive repairs to the exterior of the buildings. Now, the AIA are working on proposals for a second phase which would involve upgrading the building and its facilities for performing arts events and community activities.

Elizabeth Gordon, President of the AIA, said: "The AIA is delighted to take on ownership of the Dreel Halls after using the upper halls for some 60 years. We look forward to welcoming the community back into the Dreel Halls. Fund raising has already started for Phase 2, the improvement of the interior."

Christine May, Fife Historic Buildings Trust Chair, added: "These buildings have been transformed by the repairs carried out in 2013 – a once at-risk building that blighted a busy approach to Anstruther is now an attractive landmark again, with a vibrant new future as the Dreel Halls."

(JP/IT)