AMBITIOUS plans have been revealed to host a street party where a world famous boatbuilder once created some of the most esteemed racing yachts.

Local publican Brian Flannigan hopes to close Bay Street in Fairlie for a day next year during the Fife Regatta, being held between 4-12 June.

The historic Fife Regatta returns to local shores in 2020 with a return of the world class yachts originally crafted and designed in the village.

Brian, who owns the Village Inn, said: "I think it is only right that the village looks at doing something special to celebrate the Fife Regatta.

"I am proposing that we close off Bay Street for a day to traffic and have a street party.

"It could be quite a spectacle and I think it would be a fantastic thing to do.

"We could have stalls, a raft race and get all the local businesses involved, creating a real party atmosphere. Local community groups could also come on board.

"It has been eight years since the last Fife Regatta and I think it could be something special.

"I have spoken to some of the yacht owners in the Village Inn and the general feeling is that Fairlie hasn't done any specific in the past to welcome these wonderful boats back. I think having a street party would be a brilliant way of celebrating the legacy of the Fife boats on the street where the boatyard used to be."

The matter was discussed during a recent Fairlie Community Council meeting - and broadly welcomed.

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch says he plans to speak to the council regarding the feasibility of the road closure for the day, with residents also to be contacted.

Fiona Houston, who is running the Fife Regatta, told the 'News' that she looked forward to hearing more about the plan.

The regatta event is being run by a team led by Fiona and brother Alistair, who are from Fairlie.

The inaugural regatta was held in 1998, and thereafter in 2003 and 2008.

William Fife III (1857 – 1944) was from a family of boat builders and designers. After his death the yard was run for a short period by his nephew before being sold.

The yard then became Fairlie Yacht Slip Ltd., where fishing vessels were built and yachts repaired. The yard was demolished in 1985 and little remains of the yard. A commemorative sculpture was erected in 2011 on Bay Street.

William Fife also designed and built Shamrock I, skippered by Sir Thomas Lipton which challenged for the Americas Cup in 1899.

The Fife-built yachts, of which around 80 are thought to remain worldwide, are regarded as some of the most beautiful and functional vessels in their craft and have been owned by kings, princes, and millionaires.

Locations to view the yachts from land will be identified nearer the time.

More details will about the event is available at www.fiferegatta.com