September 7, 2011
Café culture
DTAS held its 8th Annual Conference this week – the largest event in the community calendar and this year, for the first time, a sell-out. Peter Holbrook CEO of Social Enterprise UK spoke – mainly about his previous work with the brilliant Sunlight Development Trust in Gillingham. Cafésunlight in particular has inspired many community cafes north of the border to be much more than just a place to eat. A new one in Tayport looks like it’s got the message
The opening of the Harbour Café follows nearly two years of hard work by Tayport Community Trust and other volunteers.
Wednesday’s opening was marked by the gathering of local business people, volunteers, sponsors and the architect at the cafe where trust members thanked them for their contribution. The cafe is also available as a community space and will provide a small gallery to display art work.
Funding to refurbish the Harbour Cafe was provided by the Scottish Government and the European Community LEADER in Fife 2007-2013 Programme, the National Lottery’s Awards for All (Scotland), Fife Council, Fife Community Safety Partnership, Scottish Community Foundation, Ferryport-on-Craig Community Fund, as well as donations from local businesses.
Support was also given by staff from Cupar-based voluntary organisations. Tayport councillor Maggie Taylor said: “I and the other Tayport Community Trust trustees and members are delighted with the success of the cafe.”
In addition to normal cafe services, it is intended the facility will offer training, employment and volunteering opportunities. The premises on the corner of Broad Street have not been used for several years.
Trustee Dr Bob MacKintosh said, “As well as providing locals and visitors alike with a comfortable place to take a break, we hope Tayport Community Cafe will encourage a sense of pride in the area and be a focus for increased community awareness, cohesion and development.”
It is also intended the cafe will provide a welcome pitstop for visitors and those passing through. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust manages the coastal path, and chief executive Amanda McFarlane said, “The new community cafe will offer another much-needed amenity for walkers of the Fife Coastal Path. It is fantastic that organisations are recognising that the coastal path is a huge asset to Fife and are looking to offer this type of facility along the route.”
Local councillors Maggie Taylor, Tim Brett and Ron Caird welcomed the progress and praised the hard work that had gone into the project.
Mr Caird added, “This will not only satisfy a need in the community, but create a potential funding stream for the greater good by ensuring accrued profits go towards provision of the long-awaited sports and community facility.
“This is something that Tayport and the surrounding area requires.”