MYSTERY still surrounds the identity of the new owners of the former Duracord factory in Dunfermline.


With weeks gone by since the property was sold, the Friends of Pilmuir Works said it was hoping for “active dialogue” with the buyers.


The group was first set up last year with the aim of turning the grade A-listed former linen mill into a viable community asset.


Councillor Ian Ferguson was one of the members of the group and is keen to discover what is planned for the premises.


“Six weeks have passed since Shepherd, the agents handling the sale of the buildings on behalf of the administrators, announced that a buyer had been found,” he said.


“Since then, no information has been forthcoming on the identity of the new owner; nor is the community any the wiser about plans the new owners might have for a development that would help to reinvigorate the town.


“This silence is of concern to the many who packed a meeting in the Carnegie Centre last December to press for progress over this derelict site. Support for a viable future for Pilmuir Works has also been demonstrated by over 600 Dunfermline residents who signed a petition organised by the Friends of Pilmuir Works.”


The Friends group met last week and said while still pursing a solution to the Pilmuir Works site, they planned to look at community solutions around the town.


“The Friends have gathered many ideas from our community and are keen to have an active dialogue with the new owners, with a view towards a mutually beneficial outcome,” added Cllr Ferguson.


“Friends of Pilmuir Works have also decided to widen their approach to tackling the issue of blight across Dunfermline, looking at community-driven and community-led solutions. To that end, the group will be reconstituted as ‘Friends of Dunfermline’.


“The purchase of the Pilmuir Works site has not damped our enthusiasm. We want to make the centre of Dunfermline more vibrant – a place we can all be proud of.”


Dunfermline Central councillor and Fife Council Provost Jim Leishman said he was keen to see the area restored. “It is an eyesore in the town centre,” he said. “We have developed the Carnegie baths and the Fire Station Creative and there is still that eyesore there so I would like is to see that getting developed.”


SNP Councillor Neale Hanvey was equally as keen to have something done.


“It is a big piece of work for whoever takes it,” he said. “The challenge for Dunfermline is we have to get to grips with what we do with the town centre and we need a proper, joined up strategy.
“That is not a criticism of any of the local councillors. We have all tried our very best.”