THE wishlist for Inverkeithing includes everything from a cinema, BMX park and new marina to an outdoor gym, beachfront cafe and high street markets.

A new masterplan lists the improvements locals want to see happen in their town over the next 20 years and there are plenty of ambitious ideas, with councillors given an update recently.

Possibilities include a putting green, an amphitheatre for public events, more restaurants and family-friendly pubs, art murals, better sports facilities, a dry ski slope, a river taxi/ferry, practice room for musicians, public Wi-fi and a large supermarket.

Residents also want greater recognition of its history and industrial past – it's a little known fact that Titanic's sister ships and the battleship HMS Dreadnought ended their days here – and a solution to the parking problems that have arisen from its current status as a commuter town.

But while excited about the Imagine Inverkeithing Spatial Masterplan, local councillor Alice McGarry said townsfolk must be realistic about what can be achieved and when, given the time and money that'll be needed.

She said: "Obviously, it’s an aspiration and a really good thing. There’s been a lot of community buy-in but the money has to follow and we have to get a development group up and running to take these ideas forward.

"Hopefully, by taking small steps to begin with, people will see the improvements that can be made and we’ll build up to the bigger projects.

"We don't want to raise expectations too high.

"People think you've got a glossy plan and everything in it will happen but it will only happen if people make it happen.

"Everyone has done a good job to bring this together and hopefully it will progress, and not be one of those plans that sits on a shelf never to be seen again."

The Fraser Avenue regeneration, one of the biggest urban renewal projects in the country, acted as a catalyst to see what other improvements could be made to the town.

The community was consulted and, with the help of Fife Council and others, a "collective vision" emerged, with a trust set up to take the ideas forward and look into funding.

The projects have been whittled down and split into a delivery strategy, with short- (2019-24), medium- (2025-30) and long- (2030+) term timescales.

An initial five-year action plan is being worked up and quick wins could include better play and exercise equipment, public art, streetscape improvements, upgraded and safer paths and cycle routes, better signs and marketing, graffiti wall walking tours, placemaking schemes, nicer public open spaces and action on parking.

Cllr McGarry said: "What would I particularly like to see happen? Everything!

"For me and (fellow local councillor) David Barratt, the focus should be on tourism and getting people into Inverkeithing, as the money follows tourism.

"Improve the town and people will come."

She added: "The first steps could include improvements to the cycle paths and connectivity, especially at the back of the papermill site, and focus on the attractions Inverkeithing has to offer.

"And it does have a lot in terms of history and architecture, aspects that just can't be seen for all the mess!

"The CARS (Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme) programme is also going on in the town centre and it should hopefully run in parallel, although the masterplan is obviously just a concept at this point."

Residents were asked what they liked and disliked about their town with the high street identified as a "real strength" and plus marks for the Highland Games at Ballast Bank, the community gardens, skate park and community hub, civic centre and The Wing – the community-use part of the high school.

On the other hand, play facilities were poor, parking was a big issue, cycle and pedestrian links needed to be vastly improved, including access to the coastline, and the lack of public toilets at Ballast Bank had to be addressed.

Respondents said there were few high-quality places to sit down, certain areas of the town centre that "were not safe at night" and a lack of lighting in open spaces that led to anti-social behaviour.

The lack of a bank and larger supermarket were drawbacks, while there was frustration that moves to regenerate vacant and derelict spaces, such as the privately-owned former papermill site, have stalled.

Locals felt there were opportunities to improve Ballast Bank, redevelop Inverkeithing Harbour, establish a coastal promenade and make more of the long-distance cycle route that follows the B981 through the town centre.

They also want an attractive 'gateway' entrance to the town, public art and sculptures, better access to the Fife Coastal Path and opening the disused railway line, while natural areas such as Inverkeithing Bay and wooded areas at Letham Wood and Fairy Kirk were seen as assets to conserve.

A Business Improvement District, where town centre traders contribute towards improvements, was suggested as well as a community buy-out of historic and vacant buildings, such as the civic centre and derelict former primary school.

The harbour area could be used for sailing and canoeing activities, with the potential for a pavilion or cafe with public toilets to be built or created through the refurbishment of existing buildings.

They also want greater biodiversity and high-quality green spaces to relax in and enjoy.

Much of it will come down to money and there's a shortage of local government funding, especially given Fife Council's recent budget cuts.

But the masterplan lists other potential partners, such as the National Lottery, Historic Environment Scotland, local schools and businesses, ScotRail, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Sustrans, Paths for All, Visit Scotland, Transport Scotland, who could help bring plans to fruition.