RNLINew safety signage has been installed at the notoriously tricky chain walk along the Fife Coastal Walk.
The Elie Chain Walk is an alternative and difficult route that deviates from the path between Leven and Anstruther.
Created over 100 years ago, it is a scramble route that uses eight chains that are permanently attached to the base of the sea cliffs at Shell Bay.
Nearby rescue units, including RNLI Anstruther, are frequently called to assist trapped walkers after they are caught short by the high tide.
Following discussions between local authorities and emergency services, new signage had been installed to hopefully improve safety at the site.
Eight years in the making, two sets of panels are situated at either end of the access to the Chain Walk, where it deviates from the main coastal path.
RNLIEach panel has information about the surroundings, the Chain Walk, tide times, terrain and the height you need to be to use the chains.
David Corstorphine, RNLI water safety officer, says: “It is fantastic to finally have these panels installed at the Elie Chain Walk.
“RNLI Anstruther are often called to the area to help people who have got into difficulty, been caught by the tide or have injured themselves.
“The RNLI Water Safety Team are not advertising the use of the Chain Walk but we acknowledge that people will use it, and we want them to understand the risks.
“These panels have all the necessary information about the Chain Walk and will allow walkers to make an informed decision on whether to take that route or use the main path.”
The Coastal Path Safety Project began back in 2018, when safety upgrades were considered along the Fife Coastal Path.
To improve rescue response times, around 100 markers have been installed between Leven and St Andrews with useful location information.
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