Pair of west Fife parks in running for top national accolade

Two Fife parks are in the running to be named the UK’s favourite.

Townhill and Pittencrieff Parks in Dunfermline are among 35 contenders across Scotland shortlisted for a public vote and among 360 to be nominated across the UK.

The competition is run by national charity Fields In Trust, which works to safeguard recreational spaces and campaign for better protection for all kinds of outdoor sites.

Pittencrieff Park has been described by organisers as a “really interesting place” due to its layered construction, with six different entrances making it accessible for people of all ages.

Townhill is described as “unique” for having a children’s cycle training area, adult and children’s exercise areas, a putting green and a miners’ heritage area featuring carvings of children at work underground.

Other contenders include Baxter Park and Stobsmuir Ponds in Dundee, the Helix Park, Glasgow Green and Holyrood Park in Edinburgh.

Fields In Trust argues there are established links between people’s use of parks and an improvement in their physical health, life satisfaction, sense of worth, happiness and anxiety levels.

Helen Griffiths, Fields in Trust chief executive, said: “Despite their clear health benefits, parks and green spaces are facing an uncertain future – across the UK outdoor spaces are under threat.”

The 2016 accolade went to Rouken Glen Park in East Renfrewshire, which has again been shortlisted.

The online public vote is now open at fieldsintrust.org/ bestpark/scotland