A MEMORIAL to the those who have sadly lost their lives at Inverkeithing's Prestonhill Quarry could be set up as a warning about the dangers of the site.

The quarry has claimed the lives of 18-year-olds John McKay and Cameron Lancaster in the past year, and the Press has also told you about Robert O'Neil, who was just 12 when he tragically fell to his death in May 1973.

There have been calls for the quarry to be drained and filled in, with Cameron's mum Gillian Barclay fronting a campaign for a commnity takeover of the site.

Gillian, 52, still cannot bring herself to return to the quarry, but has now proposed a memorial as “positive step”.

She told the Press, “I met with the four Inverkeithing councillors in July and suggested that there should be something there to let people know the story of the boys who lost their lives.

“It's really to remember them and make people aware that that this is a dangerous place.

“Our families will be involved in what will go on the memorial and if it goes ahead, I understand that the modern apprentices in stonemasonry would make the memorial.

“I don't know how long it would take to be in place, but the councillors were very receptive to it.

“I still can't bring myself to go to the quarry, but one day I will have to.

“I would much rather it was for something positive, and a memorial and cautionary note is a positive step.

“I'm still keen to see it drained. I don't think the danger will be removed until the water is removed. It still attracts young people.”

A Domehawk camera, police patrols and even a “harrowing” educational video about drowning are among the steps currently being taken to prevent further tragedies at the quarry.

Efforts are also continuing to contact the quarry's owners, but the Press understands that fencing off the quarry entirely in the meantime might not be a “feasible” option.

Inverkeithing councillor Alice McGarry revealed, “We're getting estimates for fencing at the top of the quarry and trying to get funding. The reality is that there can't be any fencing at the bottom.

“It's not recommended and considered not feasible as other people want to get into the quarry, and it's not for the council to stop them from using it legitimately.

“We've got a Domehawk camera covering the quarry, it's not live feed but if there are any issues then the police can view that.

“The police are continuing with their patrols and the major initiative is prevention through education in schools, which is being led by the Royal Life Saving Society, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and the police.

“They are targeting the risk and have developed a harrowing video on drowning, and a package for younger kids as well, which is not as graphic.

“The council is doing as much as it can short of draining it and turning it into a flat area, which is not feasible, as there are wildlife enthusiasts, dog-walkers, divers who want to use it.

“There's still the opportunity in the future to acquire the quarry but there's a lot of debt tied into it, and a community group wouldn't be able to deal with the immediate security issues while trying to get the funding to do something with it.”

Cllr McGarry said Fife Council is also exploring possible legal action against Letham Bay Developments, which remains the registered owner of the quarry after dissolution of the company was voided last year.

She explained, “We're having discussions about legal proceedings against the owners to make the quarry as safe as it can be, and if there's no realistic possibility then the Procurator Fiscal will tell the council that.

“There's no way anyone can take on full responsibility from the owners in the absence of the owners, but as far as we can tell, there's so much debt tied into the quarry, it must be a major liability.”