FIFE MSP Alex Rowley has called for action to be taken to get rid of a long-standing "blight" on the landscape at Lathalmond.

The smelly 30-feet high pile of old carpets and plasterboard next to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum has been an eyesore for years now and Mr Rowley said the time has come for something to be done.

The site at the entrance to the Lathalmond M90 Commerce Park was operated by First Option Services, who specialised in recycling materials including carpets, plastics and plasterboard until the business ceased trading in June 2012.

The two men in charge of the company, Michael Hope and James Winters, received community payback orders at Dunfermline Sheriff Court in June 2016 after admitting keeping controlled waste – approximately 3,500 tonnes of waste carpet and 3,500 tonnes of waste plasterboard – in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.

However, no orders were made to clear the site and SEPA and Fife Council have so far been unable to resolve the issue.

Mr Rowley raised the issue at last week's meeting of the Scottish Parliament's Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee and has now written to government minister Roseanna Cunningham asking for help.

"This stockpile of waste is a blight on the local landscape and is of concern to other businesses in the commerce park, local tourist attractions and members of the public as it is very visible from the road," he said.

"This matter has come to a standstill and SEPA state that they would only step in and take action if there was ‘an imminent and/or serious risk' to human health or the environment," he said.

"Attempts have been made by SEPA to engage with the landowner regarding the removal of the waste by them, but this has not been successful.

"Like many in the communities around Lathalmond, I believe that this blight on the landscape must be removed and I am calling for more tests on the waste to see what is coming out of it, as well as a recognition of the opportunities this site and the surrounding countryside has in terms of both business development and tourism.

"It is no longer acceptable for SEPA to simply ignore this site as it is not going to go away."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said said it was a matter for SEPA, as Scotland’s environmental regulator, to deal with in line with existing regulations and guidance. "The Cabinet Secretary will respond to Mr Rowley’s letter when it is received,” added the spokesperson.

Ian Buchanan, SEPA’s Head of Regulatory Services for South East Scotland, said they work every day to "protect and enhance" Scotland’s environment.

“SEPA’s report to the Procurator Fiscal successfully secured the prosecution of former Directors of First Option Services Ltd, however clearance of the site had been frustrated by the liquidation of the operating business," he said.

“SEPA remains firmly focused on the full and final clearance of the Lathalmond site. SEPA continues to actively monitor the site to ensure there is no detrimental impact on the local environment and we look forward to providing a further update to local residents in due course.”