Firefighters were called to what used to be Kitty’s nightclub on Hunter Street last Sunday, and then again on Wednesday when more flames were spotted.

The fire destroyed the landmark B-listed building. Demolition is expected to start as soon as possible.

Nigel Kerr, head of protective services at Fife Council, said: “Engineers have confirmed that the former Kitty’s nightclub building poses an immediate danger to the public. The building is unstable, so cordons remain in place and there’s security on site.

“The whole building will have to be demolished. It’s unfortunate that we won’t be able to save any part of it, but it’s simply not viable. Our priority must be public safety and the needs of the local residents and businesses.

“Demolition will start as soon as possible, but it’s a complex site and Scottish Gas Network need access and time to make the site safe first. We’ll issue more information once timescales are confirmed.

“For now, public access arrangements around the site will stay the same and Pan e Vino and other businesses on Hunter Street remain open. There’s a team continuing to support the residents and traders affected by the cordon.

“We know this building is part of Kirkcaldy’s heritage and we’ll all be sad to see it go. We’ll do what we can to salvage small parts of the building that have historic value for the community.”

The former nightclub closed in 2019 and plans were approved by Fife Council to turn the building into flats.

However, the plans were withdrawn and the property has been put on the market again as a nightclub or redevelopment opportunity.

Police are treating Sunday’s blaze as a deliberate act.