During a Members Business Debate in the Scottish Parliament Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has called on the Scottish Government to support a feasibility study into creating a visitor centre on the Fife Coast to commemorate the Wemyss Caves.
In a debate aimed at celebrating the achievements of the Save Wemyss Ancient Caves Society, Murdo Fraser leant his support to their campaign to have a visitor centre installed on the coast.
The Conservative MSP also called for more support to secure the long term sustainability of the caves and the creation contingency plans if the caves cannot be saved from coastal erosion.
Murdo Fraser MSP said in the Chamber:
“Because of their national importance, more should be done to secure the long term sustainability of the caves.
“Stopping erosion will be difficult. However I believe that contingency plans must be drawn up to save the cave drawings if natural forces cannot be stopped.
“A second point I would like to make is regarding the feasibility of a visitor and heritage centre. The Fife Coastal Path Report of 2007 states that the total number of annual path visits was estimated to be between 480,000 and 580,000 generating between £8 and £10 million for the local economy.
“A visitor centre could profit from this footfall and generate funds that could be used to preserve the caves.
“The financial benefits a visitor centre could bring to the local economy are also very significant.
“I encourage the Scottish Government to engage with the Save Wemyss Ancient Caves Society and to consider the feasibility of creating a visitor centre that could act as a focal point for the caves. It would also, of course, provide the area with a tangible economic legacy.
“I hope that we will hear positive things from the minister in response to the debate.”