A new waterpark offering paddle boarding, canoeing and outdoor swimming could open in Fife as early as next year.
Plans are being drawn up for the ambitious venture, which would be based at Methil Docks near Leven.
And it is hoped it could eventually rival the Wild Shores aqua park in Dundee, which offers wakeboarding, paddling and giant inflatables.
The idea is to attract visitors to Levenmouth before the new rail link opens in 2024.
But it could also benefit young people in the area by offering qualifications in life-guarding and instruction.
The proposal is still at a very early stage and would need to be approved by Fife councillors.
However, it is understood that if all goes to plan it could be up and running by spring.
Levenmouth area committee convener, Councillor Colin Davidson, said: “We’re doing an exploration exercise and have started discussions on what it could look like.”
Discussions with water sports provider ongoing
Methil Docks are already used for water sports by organisations such as the sea cadets and Levenmouth Community Trade Hub, which offers practical training to students.
But the area’s Labour councillors want to open it up to all as part of the recovery from the Covid pandemic.
If approved, funding would come from the £1.3 million allocated to Levenmouth from the council’s £10m Covid recovery fund.
Mr Davidson added: “We’re trying to be creative with the funding we’re getting.
“The fund is there to help communities get back on their feet after Covid and we think this ticks all the boxes.
“We’ve entered into discussions with an established water sports provider.
“And we’re doing an exploration exercise on what it would look like with a view to applying for funding.
“It’s quite well-developed.”
Once the plans are finalised, they will go before Levenmouth area committee for discussion and approval.
Fife waterpark ‘has potential for schools, groups and the public’
The councillors have pledged to work with community groups to establish the centre if it gets the go-ahead.
Mr Davidson said: “Covid recovery is not about giving people fuel cards and encouraging them to go to foodbanks.
“We want to give opportunities that improve health and wellbeing.
“This could be used by schools for outdoor learning and by local groups, as well as the public.
“And we’ll provide training opportunities for young people.
“The ultimate aim is to develop it into a facility like the one in Dundee.”
The Levenmouth rail link has the potential to significantly increase the number of visitors to the area.
But Mr Davidson understands people would need a reason to travel.
“We have beautiful golf courses, which are very important, but we need to create other initiatives and opportunities as well,” he said.
Conversation