Council urged to back underpass

Council bosses have been urged to get behind plans for a new underpass linking the Loch Leven nature reserve with west Fife.

The £800,000 plan is to replace a 35-year-old tunnel and steep steps below the B9097 to connect the “Sleeping Giant” path from Fife to the Loch Leven Heritage Trail.

Planning consent was granted in February and Sustrans have been provisionally awarded funding for 50% of the project. However, this award is contingent on match funding.

Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell has now written to Perth and Kinross Council and the Scottish Government, urging them to work with RSPB Scotland to ensure the tunnel is delivered.

He said: “The All Abilities Underpass at RSPB Loch Leven will be transformational, removing all access barriers and putting the area at the forefront of the countryside access for disabled people in Scotland.

“Cyclists, families with pushchairs, less-mobile people, wheelchair users and those who rely on mobility scooters will all be able to cross the B9097 safely for the first time.”

Mr Ruskell added: “I hope the council and the Scottish Government can work with RSPB Scotland and its partners to deliver this most worthwhile project.

“We must ensure that this opportunity is not wasted.”

An estimated 55,000 people use the existing tunnel each year.