KINCARDINE's skyline is set to change dramatically next month when two of its three high rise blocks of flats are demolished.

On Sunday 27 June, both Sandeman and Kincairne Courts, will become nothing more than a pile of rubble when controlled explosions will bring them down.

Work has been going on in recent months to strip the buildings, constructed in the late 1960s, inside and out. Ramsay Court will be left as the village's sole remaining tower block.

The last residents of Sandeman and Kincairne moved out in July 2009. Ramsay Court is currently being used to house some of these former residents but is also earmarked for demolition in future years once the new housing on site becomes available.

William Sinclair, from Safedem Ltd, the company Fife Council have contracted to carry out the demolition work, said, "Our experienced teams are working closely with all of the organisations involved in planning, co-ordinating and managing this operation. The safety aspect of the demolition is of paramount importance.

"An exclusion zone will be established on 27 June and residents within this exclusion zone will be evacuated. Our Community Liaison Teams will now be visiting residents to put the necessary arrangements in place for the evacuation." He added, "On the demolition day itself, operations will begin early in the morning with the demolition taking place as soon as possible after the evacuation has been completed and all necessary safety and security checks have been carried out. Some roads in the area will be closed and there will be an element of disruption so people should avoid the area if at all possible." Councillor Brian Goodall, Chair of the Housing and Communities Committee, said, "One of the Council's big priorities is increasing access to housing and the redevelopment of the area will play a big part in delivering on that priority in the next few years.

"The demolition of these flats is making way for a brand new development of fit for purpose housing. Phase one of this project will see Kingdom Housing Association build 65 properties in the area, preparatory work for which is already underway."