Villagers urged to get their thinking caps on to decide their future

Study is looking to gather thoughts and suggestions from local people

Kincardine folk have been urged to “claim their history” and put forward their ideas for the future of the village in the wake of the closure of Longannet power station.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, a charity dedicated to improving former mining areas, is co-funding the £40,000 cost of GoForthKincardine’s public consultation, which runs until Sunday.

The trust appointed architect Oliver Chapman and a team of experts to lead the discussions and run events, which include walking tours of the village to help locals see their own area through fresh eyes.

Oliver said: “I urge Kincardine residents to grasp this opportunity with both hands.

“We have been overwhelmed by the commitment in time and energy many members of the community have already given to the planning of these events.”

One of the highlights is tonight, where a handful of people will tell a tale about the village and an idea for its future to an open audience – each speaker is only allowed three minutes and 10 images.

Peter McCaughey, the lead artist with the team, added: “We have already uncovered some fascinating facts about Kincardine and its past.”

He said that at one time Kincardine had the tallest chimney in Europe, the longest bridge span on the continent and its biggest ropery.

The Tulliallan forest nursery produced seeds which went all over the UK and more than 100 ships regularly berthed in the port – distributing emigrants all over the world.

Peter added: “The scale and reach and ambition around Kincardine was enormous. It’s time for the town to claim this history and to use it to change the future for the village.”

Scottish trustee Bob Young said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for Kincardine residents to have a really enjoyable time shaping their own future.

“At the end of it all Oliver and his team will turn the projects and proposals local people want to take forward into viable action plans, making it easier for them to attract funding to bring them to life.”

The scale and reach of ambition around Kincardine was enormous

Kincardine residents with a carpet map of their village as a study is carried out into its future following Longannet power station’s closure. From left, Pauline Douglas, Janice McLaughlin, Lesley Gavin, Willie Anderson, Mary Harley and Enid Trevett