Fife Coast and Countryside Trust Response to COVID-19

Publish Date: Friday March 13, 2020

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust are to take decisive action to limit the role their activities play in the spread of COVID-19. FCCT will adopt measures to protect staff, volunteers and members of the public, by reviewing how services are delivered in light of this threat. After careful consideration actions are to be taken in the hope that infection rates might be slowed and strain on public services from large numbers of infected individuals might be reduced.

FCCT will work to ensure access to beaches, the Fife Coastal Path, Fife Pilgrim Way, Local Nature Reserves. However, as of 14 March certain facilities will unfortunately need to be closed on a temporary basis to limit the risk of spreading the virus. The following facilities will be closed to the public for an initial period of 14 days:

• Toilets at West Sands Block 1, East Sands (Disabled), Craigmead, Aberdour Black Sands and Harbourmaster’s House, Dysart. All other toilets are closed currently due to seasonal opening times.
• All Bird Hides
• Ranger Bases
• Pitcairn Centre
• Harbourmaster’s House and Bistro, Dysart.

Fife remains open for visitors to enjoy and while facilities will follow relevant guidance at this time, the Fife Coastal Path and the Fife Pilgrim Way along with the many beautiful miles of rugged coast and beaches remain accessible to residents and visitors as usual. Supported by Fife Council, we will continue our usual careful maintenance of these facilities for the benefit of all who live in or visit Fife.

Jeremy Harris, CEO of the FCCT commented, ‘It has become increasingly clear that the main risk of COVID-19 in the UK is the speed of transmission and the health services being overwhelmed. We all need to do what we can to flatten the curve of infections and protect the most vulnerable. There is increasing evidence that ‘social distancing’ is the most effective way to do this. While there is a limited amount that the FCCT can do, we are in the fortunate position of being able to put such measures in place relatively easily compared to other organisations. I believe we have a duty to do all we can and that we need to act as early as possible. ’

The Trust Teams are working together to ensure our sites are maintained despite adjustments to working schedules and responsibilities. We are also working closely with Fife Council to ensure compliance with their guidance. The Trust will share regular updates through our FCCT Facebook page and our website.