FIFE COUNCIL has confirmed that discussions are under way to ensure Dunfermline’s former Pilmuir Works building is maintained to a “satisfactory standard”.

The assurances were made at a public Q&A at the City of Dunfermline area committee last week, where the council also clarified that repair work would be undertaken on the C-listed Buffies Brae viaduct.

The local authority was responding to questions posed by resident Brian McLaren at the meeting. 

Mr McLaren had highlighted that the viaduct had become “hugely overgrown with trees and bushes” and questioned if it could be saved.

He said: “I first complained in 2010 to Fife Council transportation who, at that time, did not even know they were responsible for the viaduct. Work was then carried out to clear the vegetation with the promise of future inspections. As far as I am aware, nothing has been done since.

“I again complained in May 2016 and received a reply stating that transportation knew about the dire state of the viaduct and that work has been identified for inclusion in their next programme of vegetation clearance later on in the year. 

“This is not good enough. The trees on the viaduct are about 15 to 20 feet high, the roots must be causing severe damage to the structure.”

Mr McLaren also drew attention to the “neglect” of other listed buildings in Dunfermline, such as the Pilmuir Works, and asked: “What is the council doing to ensure the listed buildings that made Dunfermline what it is survive for future generations? After all, the council has a policy of zero tolerance to derelict properties in Fife.”

Council officers confirmed: “The condition of the category C-listed Buffies Brae viaduct is known to us following the last inspection in November 2015 which reported the extensive vegetation growth on it. 

“Maintenance works are addressed on a priority basis subject to available funding. This work has been identified for inclusion in our next programme of vegetation clearance later this year. 

“This will focus on the removal of anything which is causing the masonry to deteriorate. 

“Stonework repairs are also undertaken on a priority basis and we shall be able to determine the full extent of work here following removal of the vegetation.”

To Mr McLaren’s second query, officers responded: “The planning enforcement officer for the Dunfermline area is currently in discussions with the owner of the Pilmuir Works building to effect repairs to make it secure and to work with him to ensure it is being maintained to a satisfactory standard.

“In relation to listed buildings in general, it is a criminal offence to wilfully damage or neglect a listed building to the extent that it jeopardises its long-term future.

"The planning service will pursue the owners of listed buildings where it appears they are not being maintained to a satisfactory standard.”

The Press invited property developer Bill Fletcher, who owns the Pilmuir Works building, to comment but he had not responded by the time we went to print.