THERE'S been a flock of visitors to Townhill Loch to try to catch a glimpse of the "local celebrities" who have set up home there.

Adding some colour to the local wildlife scene have been a pair of great crested grebes, and a constant chatter at the water's edge about the impending patter of little tiny feet and flutter of wings.

Dunfermline photographer Arthur Allan and his wife, Liz, trekked round the loch with their gear every day, keeping tabs on progress and looking out for signs of any young ones.

He explained: "From the start of summer, a pair of great crested grebes became local celebrities, the first time in many years these elegant, beautifully-coloured water birds had nested at the loch."

And they were amazed at the wildlife knowledge and interest of people passing their viewpoint, including hundreds of dog-walkers, runners, cyclists, pushchair 'jockeys' and bird-watchers.

Arthur added: "Hardly anyone coming along the path during that time went past without stopping for a chat, asking what we were watching or, if they were regulars, to get the latest news.

"Are the grebes okay? How many eggs are there? Have any chicks hatched yet?

"The adults took turns sitting on the nest for almost a month before hatching three chicks.

"The fourth egg vanished, probably abandoned as they realised it wasn't viable and there wouldn't be another chick."