THIS week's trip down West Fife's Memory Lane is provided by Bill Gourlay, of Talisman Films Scotland.

Bill writes: "I have noticed that a number of people recently have commented about the Opera House, asking where it was and what happened to it. These photos are from our DVD, 'Dunfermline Opera House from Fife to Florida', which is available on our website www.talismanfilmsscotland.co.uk

"The Opera house opened in 1903 with 1,250 seats and cost £6,000. The first manager was W E Potts, however, it was bought in 1912 by John Henry Hare.

"In 1921, it closed for a major refurbishment and reopened in 1922 in the Louis V style. With competition from cinema and dance halls, it closed in 1931 and didn't re-open until 1934.

"Over the years, all the major stars played the Opera House: Will Fyfe, Harry Gordon, Harry Lauder, Tommy Morgan, Will Starr, Jimmy Logan, the Alexander Brothers, Robert Wilson and Johnny Beattie.

"It finally closed in 1955 despite various attempts to save it. James Bell applied to use the building as a furniture and upholstery repair and French Polishing premises on a 10-year lease.

"It was threatened with demolition in 1981, as it was in the way of the new shopping centre. After much discussion, it was agreed to strip the interior of all the fibrous plaster fittings. Luckily, the plasterwork was screwed to the walls, which meant that most of the decorative fittings could be reused.

"The shell of the building was demolished in 1983 and the interior stored in a large container. The Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida, were looking for an old-style theatre interior, came across to check it out, agreed that this was ideal, bought and shipped it out to Sarasota and it opened in 1990, looking fabulous as you can see!"