ABBOT HOUSE could be set to re-open its doors to the public by the end of the year.

It is nearly two years since the heritage centre was forced to close as a result of financial difficulties in August 2015.

However, the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, who own the historic building, have joined forces with two members of the Fire Station Creative team who were essential in the transformation of Dunfermline’s Fire Station into a contemporary arts hub.

John Gibson and Sarah Young have both been working hard on fresh ideas for the future of the ‘Pink House’, and plans are progressing that could see Abbot House return to the community this year.

Sarah Young, project manager, told the Press: “We’re at the stage where the business plan is being finalised and talking to potential funders. 

“We’re looking at all the different forms in which it will be able to generate income, and at the moment it’s focused around tourism and hospitality.

“I’m hoping we’ll be in a position to know what ideas we want to take forward within the next few weeks.

“You can have as many options as you like but the numbers have to show that it’s sustainable and robust. 

“If everything goes according to plan, ideally we’d be open in some way by the end of the year.”

The building in Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter would be run as a registered charity in the same model as Fire Station Creative, and Sarah remarked on the willingness from West Fifers to contribute to the re-opening.

She said: “It’s such an important building to the community and the enthusiasm to get it back open is palpable. 

“It’s drawing a lot of expertise from members of the community and they’re devoting time and skills to develop the plans.

“With the new library now open, it’s crying out for the building to be open.

"The views from the library to Abbot House are stunning and Carnegie Dunfermline Trust have done a brilliant job in keeping Abbot House in great condition with all the maintenance they’ve carried out.

“Many people will have fond memories of the cafe in Abbot House and I feel when it re-opens, it will provide an intimate and more homely environment to the area and provide an alternative to the library and galleries and to Fire Station Creative as well.”

With financial backing from Fife Council and the Architectural Heritage Fund, renovations to the roof, chimneys and guttering have been carried out by Carnegie Dunfermline Trust.

David Walker, chairman, said: “It is clear that this much-loved building should be returned to the community but it is critical that it will be able to operate as smoothly and self-sufficiently as possible.

“We are very much looking forward to the finalisation of plans for the creation of a cafe, restaurant and multi-purpose rooms and suites.”