Work to remove radioactive waste from a beach in Dalgety Bay is now complete.
The saga's been ongoing for several years, starting when the material, a luminous coating of airplanes used in the nearby airfield, was found in 1990.
Work started on a clean up two years ago, due to delays, which involved a team of scientists and engineers sifting material from the sand. It cost about £10.5million.
People will now be able to access the beach, near the sailing club, for the first time since 2011.
It's believed the thousands of radioactive particles came from radium-coated glow-in-the-dark components in World War Two aircraft, which were incinerated and dumped on the bay.
Whilst they were a low risk to the public, it was decided to remove them.
Previous attempts to tackle the contamination were disrupted because of disagreements between the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Sepa and Fife Council on who was responsible.
We spoke to Professor Paul Dale, SEPA radioactive substances unit manager. Listen to his interview below:
David Salmond, programme director for Defence Infrastructure Organisation, was also involved in the project:
Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing said: “The confirmation that the remedial works at Dalgety Bay have been completed is very welcome news indeed and hopefully brings to an end a long-running saga that could – and should – have been dealt with decades ago.
“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in bringing matters to this stage and particularly recognise the key roles played both by SEPA and the local community in ensuring that the Ministry of Defence finally address the issue.
“In practical terms it is important to note that, although that part of the beach which has been closed-off will now be re-opened, signs will remain in place for another two years whilst post-completion monitoring and verification take place.
“Dalgety Bay is a beautiful place and the potentially dangerous dump of radioactive materials by the MoD was an absolute disgrace, only barely mitigated by a lack of knowledge and understanding at the time.
“A cloud has been lifted and I am delighted that people – locals and visitors alike - will be able to enjoy Dalgety Bay to its fullest once more.”
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