A former Fife quarry could be given a new lease of life as a tourist and leisure attraction.
Dunfermline-based Eden Muir Limited has submitted a detailed planning application to Fife Council to create fishing infrastructure at the old Mount Castle Quarry, around one-and-a-half miles north of Ladybank.
Two small jetties, a boathouse, storage shed and portable temporary toilet facilities are proposed on the site to the north-east of the A91/A92 junction, which was formerly used as a sand and gravel quarry until its closure several years ago.
The quarry has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration process which has included the creation of paths and picnic areas, while the pits have been flooded to form a series of lochans.
These have been fenced off for safety reasons and lifesaving equipment has been installed at points near the water.
A spokesperson for Eden Muir Limited said: “The proposed development is an acceptable rural leisure use that will extend the locational opportunities for fishing within the Fife Council area, within an established natural landscape setting.
“It forms the first phase of a wider regeneration of the former quarry.
“It does not undermine urban regeneration, nor does it lead to unacceptable suburbanisation of the countryside.
“Scottish planning policy supports new business creation that increases economic activity while safeguarding and enhancing the natural and built environments as national assets.
“It seeks to safeguard and promote important local settings for outdoor recreation and tourism. Tourism is a key sector in the Scottish economy.”
The wider former quarry covers an area of almost 188 acres, which is roughly the size of 76 football pitches, and can be accessed just to the north of the Melville Lodges roundabout on the A92.
A total of 30 car parking spaces are envisaged, while the proposed developers say the site is easily accessible by public transport as a bus stop is situated to the east of the roundabout and served by frequent bus services.
