Mountcastle Quarry plan gets go-ahead

Plans to turn part of a former Fife quarry into a fishing and leisure attraction have been approved on appeal to the Scottish Government.

Dunfermline-based developer Eden Muir Limited plans to create the trout fishery just off the A91 at Mountcastle Quarry near Cupar.

In recent years it has undergone a comprehensive restoration, including the creation of paths and picnic areas.

The pits have also been flooded to form a series of lochans.

Eden Muir’s plans to fill these water bodies with trout and install 19 fishing platforms, a pontoon and a reception building failed to win over councillors – who voted 7-6 against the idea in November.

But that decision has now been overruled by a Scottish Governmentappointed reporter, who has given the project the green light.

Objectors argued the development would have an adverse effect on wildlife, including geese roosting and foraging at the site.

However, the reporter, CJ Leigh, disagreed, saying the “foraging range for geese is over a very wide area”, adding: “I thus consider that the conservation objectives for the designated sites would be satisfied.”

It was also deemed the development would have little impact on the character of the area.

With existing access to the site from the A91 being maintained, it was ruled the facility would not adversely affect the roads infrastructure.

Chris Richie, director of Eden Muir Ltd, said “common sense has finally prevailed.”

He said: “It’s been a long three-and-a-half years to

finally get the project approved and we welcome the reporter’s decision.

“This is the first of a number of phases in our creation of Eden Springs Fishery at this former quarry site.

“I hope that this permission will now act as a catalyst for our plans to develop further to create a

country park leisure attraction.

“Not only is it bringing back into use the former industrial site, it will also create new jobs and become a welcome addition to the leisure and tourism industry in the area.”

Mr Richie expects to complete work at the site by next March.

REDEVELOPMENT: Eden Muir wants to create a country park at the former quarry.