A Fife MSP says he will continue to push for a new health centre in Kincardine as he prepares to meet the health secretary next month.

Labour politician Alex Rowley plans to make the case for the over-due facility in Kincardine, and a new one in Lochgelly too, to Neil Gray MSP later this month.

Mr Rowley visited the current centre last week and met staff as well as members of the village's community council.

“It is absolutely clear to anyone who visits this health centre that it is well past its sell by date and must be replaced sooner than later." he said.

READ MORE: Plea to new health minister for Kincardine Health Centre replacement

"It is a great testament to all the staff at Kincardine Health Centre that they continue to deliver the services they do in such poor facilities but this situation cannot continue for any length of time.

“I have been given assurance by NHS Fife that they will take steps to address some of the poorest infrastructure for the short term and, whilst this is welcome, it does not address the fact that the building is quite simply not fit for purpose.

"I had a date to meet the Health Secretary in April but that has now been moved to May. I will be making clear to him that this situation cannot be allowed to continue and we need the government to honour the promise it made to the people of Kincardine, and the people of Lochgelly, to replace their health centres with new buildings that are able to deliver the local health services required.

“NHS Fife was well ahead with its plans for two new health centres for Kincardine and Lochgelly when the Scottish government froze the budgets.

"The funding for both must now be released in order to allow NHS Fife to get on with the crucial task for building the new health facilities that will be fit for purpose to meet the health needs for these communities.”

READ MORE: Kincardine residents plan to keep fighting for new health centre

A new Kincardine health centre has been in the pipeline for several years with the existing facility deemed not fit for purpose.

Plans had been developed but hopes were dashed last year when the Scottish Government revealed that they were delaying their funding until “the second half of the decade” because it was no longer a priority.

Earlier this year, a Scottish Government spokesperson said a revised investment plan will be published in the Spring which will identify potential projects.

They added that the emphasis for the immediate future was on addressing backlog maintenance and essential equipment replacement.