People in Kincardine will get the chance to further press their case for a new health centre at a public meeting.

The existing health centre has been deemed not fit for purpose for reasons including a lack of disabled access, no storage and insufficient space.

Although a plan was agreed for a new health centre which would better serve the growing population and bring more services together, the Scottish Government revealed last year that they were delaying their funding until “the second half of the decade” because it was no longer a priority.

That decision angered many people in the village, but despite local politicians putting pressure on the Health Secretary Michael Matheson to find the funding, the position currently remains unchanged.

Now Kincardine Community Council will be hosting a public meeting to discuss a replacement health centre on Monday, January 15, at 7.30pm, at Kincardine Community Centre.

Those attending will be given an update on the current situation and will have the opportunity to ask questions, as well as contribute to a plan of action.

The meeting will be chaired by Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville, who met Mr Matheson at the end of last year to highlight the urgent need for a new health centre.

She said: "I remain determined to play my part and do whatever I can to ensure people in Kincardine can benefit from this purpose-built facility as soon as possible."

Local Labour councillor Graeme Downie has also been involved in actively campaigning for a new health centre and enlisted the support of Shadow Health Secretary Jackie Baillie to press the SNP government to find the money for the project.

He has described the decision to withdraw funding as "outrageous" and has also criticised Mr Matheson for being "too scared to come and explain that decision to the community".