An adventure park celebrating Fife’s links with the world’s most famous fictional castaway has set sail.
The Robinson Crusoe Adventure Park is the newest attraction at Elie Holiday Park. The fun-filled facility is part of a major investment programme at the East Neuk tourist resort, which is just a few miles from the birthplace of the sailor credited as the inspiration for Crusoe.
Alexander Selkirk, born in Lower Largo in 1676, was marooned for four years on an uninhabited island in the Juan Fernandez archipelago, off the coast of Chile.
It is widely believed that the author of Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe, based his title character on Selkirk.
The impressive park, which opened on Saturday, takes the form of a two-masted sailing ship linked to a desert island.
It is expected to be a massive hit with the many young visitors the park at Shell Bay expects to welcome over the summer.
George Elles, managing director of Abbeyford Leisure (Scotland), which operates the park, said, “Fife offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy an incredible mix of coastal activities.
“From screaming gulls to ancient mariners, there is always something to do and see. So we have characterised the area’s link to Robinson Crusoe and created a superb adventure park for all of our customers to enjoy.”
The park was launched on Saturday-292 years to the day that Defoe’s timeless classic was published-by award-winning businessman John Parker, of Morton of Pitmilly, who is the chairman of the Fife Tourism Partnership.
Mr Parker said, “From my own experience, children’s memories of places and fun that they had stay with them as they grow older.
“I am sure that they will remember the magical times they had on holiday in Fife, and will be likely to return with their own children in the future.”
The opening saw a range of activities staged, including rock pool guddles with rangers from Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, face-painting and balloon art.
Storyteller Ron Fairweather took on the guise of Crusoe and captivated youngsters with his tales. Anstruther-based RNLI crew members visited and there was music from the Tullis Russell Mills Band.
Donations were made to the RNLI and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust by Mr Elles.