The developer had submitted plans for a residential project in the grounds in the C-listed building, which was engulfed in flames on Saturday night.

Now the integrity of the structure will have to be assessed to determine if the structure will escape demolition.

Officers from Fife Council’s building services department were at the scene on Sunday to examine the damage.

Working with Lindsay Bell Architects and Fairhurst, Whitburn’s overall vision includes the conversion of the original school building to deliver 96 new homes offering a mix of three and four-bedroom new homes, as well as two-bedroom apartments. The development would also provide a mix of affordable housing for rent.

Whitburn told Scottish Construction Now that it remains committed to the development and that the firm is in ongoing discussions with the council.

Managing director Eve McCurrich said: “We are concerned to learn of a significant fire, which we believe has destroyed the former Viewforth High School building in Kirkcaldy. We are consulting with Fife Council, who currently own and insure the building, to determine the most viable future for the former school building after such extensive damage.

“While the planning application process for this development has been delayed due to COVID-19, we remain committed to the redevelopment of the overall site. Following our ongoing discussion with the planning department at Fife Council, we hope that our application can be reviewed at planning committee at the end of September, in order to determine the principle of redevelopment, such that local residents can see a positive outcome across the former school site.”