A PROMINENT landmark on Townhill Road in Dunfermline disappeared last Thursday as developers elected to demolish Hillpark House.

Built in 1901, the former dental surgery has lain derelict and fallen into disrepair since 2007 and despite numerous failed attempts to redevelop, the latest owners decided to knock it down.

They intend to ‘sympathetically’ develop the site, on the corner of Methven Drive, but no significant work is likely to take place until months after the demolition.

Local resident Kevin Park remembers the building fondly and told the Press, “The demolition is quite sad after seven years of plans not coming to anything.

“I would have preferred it to have been retained and converted into flats.

“The house I live in has been my mother’s since 1961 and it’s where I grew up so Hillpark is something that’s always been there.

“It used to be my dentist as a child and it is still talked about with affection by current dental staff – it was not just a house.

“It is unusual for a building from 1901 to be built from bricks when normally it would be stone.

“I am interested in local history and feel it’s a landmark that’s been very significant. It’s a pity that they are not going to convert it.” More information on the site can be found at www.37townhill.org