Parts of the Fife Coastal Path could be moved inland to save it from the ravages of the sea.
Coastal erosion aggravated by recent storms has seen sections of the well-used path washed away and action has been demanded in a bid to preserve it.
The coastal path, which runs 78 miles from the River Tay to the Forth Road Bridge, is a major draw for visitors and generates an estimated £24 million for the local economy.
But sections, particularly at Elie and Dysart, have been damaged and there are fears these could endanger walkers or be washed away for good.
Questioned about the issue at a Fife housing and communities committee meeting this week, Amanda Macfarlane, chief executive of the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, admitted funding was an issue but said steps were being taken to reduce the problem.
She said, “We obviously have issues about coastal erosion but with council departments we are coming up with innovative ways to solve this difficult problem.
“We believe the best option is to look at moving it inland as erosion happens. We also have to look at a new shoreline management plan to identify hotspots.”
Ms Macfarlane said one example was dune erosion on Elie Estate, where the landowners had asked the trust for help.
“They have agreed to move the path 30 metres inland in return for us helping them to put in a new fence,” she said.
At Dysart, land reclaimed from the sea using by-products of former coal mines has been eroded by waves.