ABBOT House looks set to re-open its doors in Dunfermline with plans to turn it into a restaurant and delicatessen.

Financial failure led to the historic building closing last summer but there are plans for Fire Station Creative to take it over.

They've already transformed the old art deco fire station in Dunfermline into a thriving arts hub and now have ambitious aims for Abbot House.

It could offer space for artists and other groups, as well as self-catering rooms for visitors and those following the "pilgrims route", while it's estimated it could cost as much as £280,000 to bring it back into use.

In a report, Fife Council area manager Joe McGuinness said: "Abbot House has long been viewed as an integral part of Dunfermline and West Fife’s tourism and cultural offering.

"The significance of the building to the residents of the wider area was ably demonstrated by the public outcry when it closed its doors late last year."

Although no deal has yet been struck, and Fire Station Creative did not want to comment at this time, they are the preferred operator and recently presented a comprehensive business plan to the board of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust.

And members of Fife Council's City of Dunfermline area committee will be asked this week to agree to lend unused kitchen equipment from City Chambers to help the plans along.

Abbot House came under the control of the trust after the previous operator, the Abbot House Heritage Centre Trust, shut the doors in August 2015.

Mr McGuinness said that, since the building closed, the priority had been to explore all options to bring the facility back into effective use as an "integral part" of Dunfermline's cultural quarter.

He wrote: "The essence of the business model does not differ greatly from the existing model currently in use at the fire station where some space within the building would be utilised to accommodate small self-contained units that could be let out in an effort to spread the burden of cost."

The provision of a deli cafe and a separate restaurant are included in the proposals along with a visitor information point.

The business plan includes the conversion of part of the Abbot House facility to provide two self-catering rooms for visitors and pilgrims making their way along the pilgrims' route that is currently being developed across Fife and which incorporates Dunfermline as a key destination of historical significance.

The report states that Fire Station Creative are actively pursuing various funding options while council officers are investigating various sources of possible funding to support the refurbishment cost.

Chairman of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, David Walker, said that "many things" were still to be confirmed.

He said: "Since taking back full ownership of the house the repair and maintenance work has taken longer than we anticipated, compounded by some drainage issues and the condemning of the boilers.

"However the extra time has given us the opportunity to explore all possible options to secure the most effective and community-based way to take the building forward. Sustainability is a must.

"The trust put more than £250,000 into Abbot House 25 years ago and the current and projected costs are already proving extensive. We cannot afford to be in this situation again in another 25 years’ time."

A recent Implementation Plan for Dunfermline Heritage Tourism, commissioned by the council, suggested that Abbot House should be the main entry point and retail outlet for the Abbey, Palace and Abbey Church.

The authors also said the venue should not operate a café as “these are already available nearby”, its public toilets should be re-opened as soon as possible and a mix of visitor servicing and commercial uses “may be the most sustainable option” for the venue.

Mr Walker said: "The potential for the future of Abbot House is looking very exciting and it is a strong endorsement of the collective commitment to the heritage tourism consultancy proposals that the key partners are helping us with our assessment and negotiations.

"However there are many aspects of the detail to be confirmed and once the working up of a robust model is complete we look forward to announcing the way forward as soon as we can so that we can work closely with our colleagues in the Fife Cultural Trust towards plans for the whole Heritage Quarter next year."