On 12 th May 2022, the iconic Butters Brothers Derrick Crane at the harbour was being dismantled by Forth Ports’ contractors Dem-Master (strapline “Demolition in safe hands”) when it toppled backwards off its plinth into the West Dock. Fortunately and remarkably no-one was injured in the process but another part of the town’s heritage has been lost.
Watch the moment the historic crane toppled into the dock.
Forth Ports took the action without any community consultation and without the required Listed Building Consent. Fife Council inform us that their “more than suitably qualified” conservation/built heritage officers considered that Listed Building Consent wasn’t required for the crane to be dismantled.
Have a read of this under “About Listed Buildings” and make your own mind up. The conservation/built heritage officers may be suitably qualified but this isn’t the first time we find ourselves questioning their competence. Our expert heritage advisers agree with us that, once again, the wrong decision was made. We’re debating our next move.
Meanwhile, still no decision on our application to register a community right to buy…