AN important link on Fife's coastal path is to be re-instated this summer.

The Aberdour Harbour footbridge, was damaged beyond repair following the storms and flooding in August 2020.

Since then, the council has been working through a number of challenges to replace the bridge for the benefit of the local and wider community.

Now contractors, Realm Construction have been appointed to construct the replacement bridge at the harbour, submitting a successful tender below the budget of £325k. Work is due to start in the next couple of weeks and it's hoped the bridge will re-open later in the summer.

Work on the new timber bridge will take place in two phases. Phase one will involve preparing the site and phase two which is due to start early in July will see the installation of the new bridge.

Convener of the council's South and West Fife Area Committee David Barratt welcomed the news that the bridge is finally being replaced: "There have been a number of challenges associated with the project and lessons have been learned. Unfortunately the initial tender received exceeded the available budget which further contributed to long delays. Our teams have worked hard to bring the project back within budget.  
“We would really like to thank residents and users of the path for their continued patience and look forward to enjoying the replacement footbridge once again on the coastline of Aberdour."