Police in Kelty are urging dog walkers and ramblers to follow simple safety precautions after the fence surrounding St Ninians Open Cast Mine was damaged.

Fife Constabulary Community Safety Officer, Gary Kenhard, said: "We are currently investigating vandalism to the perimeter fence at St. Ninians open cast mine.  It appears that someone has cut through a boundary fence to the open-cast. I have been to the site and have seen the dangers this can cause.

“Ground at the site is unstable and whilst appearing okay, may actually be many metres of deep slurry. These unsafe conditions along with large vehicles at the site pose an obvious danger. The damage left the site open to entry by people who may not have recognised the dangers. Scottish Coal regularly check the perimeter safety and provide a community use section for the public to enjoy walking in the area. This is clearly signposted and safely fenced. The damaged fencing was immediately repaired on discovery.”

Hugh McInnes, of Scottish Coal, said: "We are committed to providing a safe environment for walkers. We have designated a community use section of the site that can be accessed from the B914 Kelty to Dollar Road. The entrance is clearly signposted. However, I would ask the person that has caused this damage to refrain from doing so in the future. Creating access points anywhere in the fence, other than the designated area, causes a huge safety problem for us all.”

Alison Irvine, Senior Access Officer from Fife Council said: " The countryside can be a safe place for us all to enjoy and Scotland has arguably the best system of outdoor access in Europe. Everyone has the right of responsible access to almost all parts of Scotland. However, it is important to remember that you only have access rights if you are responsible, following the guidance in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

“A key part of this Code is that you must be aware of safety, both for yourself and for other people in the countryside. Some places are not permitted for access, including areas in the boundary of working quarries. This, like almost all the Code, is just common sense. So please enjoy Fife's countryside safely and follow any signs or guidance put there to help you."

If you need more information on Scottish Natural Heritage then the  website - http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/ has all current information about the Land Reform Act and the right of responsible access.

Any person who has information on the person that has caused this damage can call Fife Police on 0845 600 5702 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where all calls are treated anonymously.