Fife Council started construction of the new children’s house last year but all site activity has been on hold since coronavirus restrictions came into force on March 24.

The building was due to be handed over on April 17.

The house is designed to provide accommodation for children and young people who cannot live at home with their families.

 “We were very close to completing this project”, said Alan Paul, Fife Council’s senior property manager. “There’s not much left to do, other than internal finishings, decoration and landscaping.

“We’re confident we can get this vital building finished, with workers maintaining social distancing and working safely.

“The building at Raith Grove is needed as a matter of urgency to support vulnerable young people and their families who may be in crisis. The pandemic has resulted in limited capacity for these services elsewhere and it’s therefore critical that we get this facility up and running as quickly as possible.”