New funding will protect the legacy of Longannet

Investment, like the recent £300,000 grant to Longannet communities, will “build and protect the legacy” of the power station, according to Dunfermline and West Fife MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville.

As part of the Scottish Government’s investment in the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF), £300,000 was granted to Fife Council, which will be designated to provide free activities for those communities affected by its closure.

Since its creation in 2012, the fund has invested around £17.7 million in 69 projects across Scotland, which is forecast to create more than 1,300 jobs.

Ms Somerville said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to engage local residents in community projects that will be of benefit to everyone involved.

“I look forward to seeing what projects are introduced by Fife Council and the positive impact they will have. Investment such as this will help build and protect the legacy of Longannet for future generations within these communities”

The money will be used to bring improvements to Kincardine town centre, attract businesses to the area and boost tourism.

Investment will be focused on the Kincardine, Culross, Valleyfield, Newmills and Torryburn areas.

The project will also involve creating opportunities for business growth and new jobs along the Forth coast by creating new light industrial workshops.

Improvements are also planned at Devilla Forest and the Fife Coastal Path.

Delivered by the Big Lottery Fund, the CCF provides funding UK coastal communities to help them create sustainable economic growth and jobs.