A Fife village’s beloved steel man sculpture has been pulled down following a complaint it was erected without planning permission.
The Saltire-bearing figure became a hit with locals after it was placed on the roof of a blacksmith workshop in Kinghorn.
However, Archway Metals has now taken down the patriotic work-of-art, crafted from 5,000 pieces of steel, after bosses were advised they were unlikely to win planning consent for their creation.
The larger-than-life-size figure appeared on the Kinghorn skyline in April, but a complaint was made to the council and owner Andrew Davies was given 28 days to take it down.
A petition was signed by more than 2,200 people, demanding the steel man be allowed to stay.
Buoyed by the public backing, Andrew sought advice on submitting a planning application but was told it would probably be rejected since the workshop, in North Overgate, is in the town’s conservation area, beside historic Kinghorn Town House.
The structure, which could be seen from the main road through the village, was reluctantly “folded down” on Friday as the workshop closed for the holidays. It is due to be removed by crane in the new year.
Andrew said he was sad to see it go.
He said: “Everyone likes it in Kinghorn, people have said they are going to miss it.
“The kids are going to miss it, they love seeing it in the morning when they are going to school.”
He said his architect had negotiated for months with Fife Council planners but to no avail.
He decided there would be little point in going to the time and expense of submitting both planning and listed building applications if there was every chance they would be rejected.
However, the steel man may not be gone for good as Andrew said he was considering other spots where it could be placed.
A spokesman for Fife Council development services said: “The applicant has been advised that planning permission and listed building consent are required for the flag-bearer statue.
“No applications have been received to date.”
