FOR over nine weeks Cowdenbeath woman Eileen Bathgate battled coronavirus, and at one stage she admits she thought she would never see her Foulford Place home again.

But backed by the doctors and nurses at the Covid-19 unit, at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, she fought through and on Thursday the whole street turned out to welcome her home.

Eileen couldn't believe the welcome, which included piper Daniel Stennett playing her into her home.

She told the crowd of more than 70 people: "To be honest I never thought I would see this day.

"I have to thank the doctors and nurses at the Vic for keeping me going, for at times it was a huge struggle.

"And to see you all here to welcome me home is very special, and I cannot thank you all enough.

"The support and messages I have received have been fantastic and these really kept me going no matter how bad things seemed."

It was a gala day in Foulford Place as news quickly got round that Eileen was coming home 10 weeks after going into hospital suffering from coronavirus.

Neighbour Agnes Sutherland said: "What a fantastic day for everyone here.

"We were worried about Eileen but she just wouldn't give up and it was brilliant to see everyone there to cheer her back to her home."

The balloons went up for Eileen thanks to local businesswoman, Kimberley McAlpine, of 33PartyPlace, and Daniel played a selection of music for the eagerly waiting neighbours.

Eileen, picked up by her sister at the Vic, arrived at around 11.30am to a tumultuous welcome.