Funding for Boarhills community green space

VISION: Plan for orchard, seating and play area on site next to coastal path This funding shows just how creative, forwardthinking and committed local groups are. SCOTTISH LAND FUND CHAIRMAN JOHN WATT

Plans to provide a community green space and restore a historic doocot in a north-east Fife village have been given a major boost.

Boarhills and Dunino Community Trust has been awarded £146,340 from the Scottish Land Fund towards its vision for the edge of Boarhills.

Proposals for a community orchard, seating, play area and wildflowers are all now expected to proceed.

The trust also wants to ensure a new lease of life for the B-listed doocot in the same area and aims to make it accessible to all.

It comes after the trust was granted £8,000 through the Scottish Land Fund to conduct a feasibility study into restoring the 17th Century doocot and drawing up a business plan to bring their project to fruition.

John Watt, Scottish Land Fund chairman, said: “With community acquisitions of woodlands, shops and land for housing, this funding shows just how creative, forward-thinking and committed local groups are in their ambitions of turning their community ownership project ideas into reality.”

Earlier this year, Scottish ministers gave consent to buy the land to the north of No 3 Boarhills Farm Cottages following a Community Right to Buy application to purchase the derelict patch.

The area is next to the Fife Coastal Path and the group also intends to provide access to toilets and water for walkers.

Information on the area and interpretation boards will also be installed.

The developments in funding comes after the trust held a community ballot in which 78% of those who voted were in favour of the proposals.

North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins said: “This is a great idea and shows the community is working hard to promote the area.”

“Great idea”, says Stephen Gethins.