The bells will ring out in Burntisland on Christmas Day, with a little help from some modern technology.
Three years after they fell silent, a system involving stereo speakers will be used to broadcast the town clock’s distinctive chimes.
Structural failures in the Burgh Chambers clock tower means the local streets have been significantly quieter since 2012.
Councillor George Kay hopes the modern twist on the historic sounds will return some festive cheer to the seaside town.
“We’re still trying to find the money to repair the clock tower, but somebody came up with the idea that even if we couldn’t bring back the tower, we could bring back the chimes,” he told The Courier.
“The mechanism has always been in place, so all it will take is for somebody to install the necessary gadgetry and the chimes will be played on the hour.”
Burntisland Burgh Chambers dates back to 1843, but the clock tower was dismantled in the autumn of 2012 after cracks appeared.
Residents have called for it to be reinstated ever since, although the overall cost of the project is thought to be in the region of £350,000.
A funding application to Historic Scotland was rejected last December and the possibility of the structure being reinstated imminently is slim.
Despite the absence of the clock tower itself, the reinstatement of the familiar chimes has been welcomed as a small but important step by community activists keen for the structure to be returned to its former glory.
At a cost of around £750, Mr Kay said it is a small price to pay for some civic pride.
“It’s a great news story for Burntisland,” he added. “We will keep trying to get the tower back up, but for now at least we will have our chimes.”
Ross Tulloch, Fife Council’s lead professional for civil and structural engineering, said: “Following representations from local councillors and the community council, the chimes from what was the town clock are set to be reinstated in time for Christmas.
“Once reinstated, the chimes will ring every hour between 7am and 10pm.”