Full stream ahead for project on River Leven

Council agrees to join restoration scheme that aims to revitalise waterway into an attractive tourist destination

A project to transform the River Leven into an attractive tourist destination has taken a step forward.

The restoration of the waterway’s natural assets is being led by environment agency Sepa.

Fife Council has formally agreed to be part of the scheme, which includes creating paths linking communities along the river.

The Leven: Growing with Flow programme aims to maximise cultural, economic and social opportunities by 2030, promoting biodiversity, tourism, heritage and active travel.

It is also intended to make use of vacant and derelict land.

Ross Vettraino, chairman of the environment, protective services and community services committee, said the council was delighted to join the programme board driving the regeneration.

He said: “It’s a great opportunity for positive change.

“Working together, we will pool resources and skills to ensure this project puts local people and the environment at its heart and that the benefits are long term.”

Over the next decade the goal is to make the region a “go to” destination, Working with tourism a key part of the economy.

This includes the River Leven area as together, a hub for social enterprise, youth and education, with a natural environment we will pool supporting a diverse ecology and resources celebrating social history.

Terry A’Hearn, the chief executive and skills to of Sepa, said: “Every day Sepa works to protect and enhance Scotland’s ensure this environment and we are committed to using partnerships as our principal project puts way of delivering environmental outcomes. local people

“This exciting work to revitalise and the the River Leven is good news for local communities and the environment – environment and it is excellent to have Fife Council on board. at its heart

“There are significant environmental challenges in the area and the river has and that the become a barrier between communities, disconnecting people and towns from benefits are each other.

long term. “The Leven: Growing with the Flow programme aims to achieve ROSS VETTRAINO environmental improvements to spark new ways of working with key partners and communities to create social and economic opportunities.”

More than £300,000 was awarded for the first stage of the project, focusing on a 5km stretch of water near Leven.

The money from Sustrans Scotland’s Community Links scheme and Sepa’s Water Environment Fund was to pay for feasibility and scoping work.

Any plans drawn up as a result will be put on public display in the summer.