Just a few short months ago, the very future of Craigtoun Country Park was hanging in the balance.
Once seen as a jewel in the crown, years of deterioration and the recent abandonment of entry charges had fuelled fears that the attraction would close or be sold.
However, the council insists it is now full steam ahead and this weekend the miniature train so synonymous with the attraction will be running once again.
For generations of Fifers, no summer has been complete without a trip to Craigtoun. But the park had been placed in the firing line as the authority sought to make multi-million-pound cuts.
While entry to the park itself is now free, the refurbished train will now have charges. Nevertheless, news that the train is back on track is sure to bring cheer to tens of thousands of annual visitors.
A Fife Council spokeswoman said, “Thanks to a partnership between the council and MRW Railways, the miniature railway at Craigtoun Park will be operating daily this summer from this Saturday until August 28.
“To mark the occasion there will be a special opening ceremony on Saturday involving provost Frances Melville, local councillors and the community.”
The spokeswoman admitted it had been a turbulent time for Craigtoun but insisted it has a bright future.
“Fife Council has been working hard with the community to find new ways of running and managing the park over the past few months,” she said. “Following the council’s decision to open the park as a free-to-enter, green space area, without additional entertainment facilities, MRW Railways contacted the council to offer their services to look at putting together a new way of working to allow the train to continue operating.
“Keen to see this facility maintained as one of the assets of the park, the council negotiated an agreed contract so MRW Railways can operate the miniature railway.”
As well as providing a replacement Denver & Rio Grande steam outline locomotive to run the three carriages, the firm has also upgraded the track.
Councillor Andrew Arbuckle is one of those looking forward to clambering on board.
“The railway will enhance the wealth of different things to see and do in the park and will hopefully encourage even more people to come along,” he said. “I hope to see a big crowd in the park on Saturday and over the summer enjoying free entry to this vast open green space, the plants and the adventure play area.”