A bid to breathe new life into a Levenmouth beauty spot has taken a step forward.
Silverburn Park, which boasts picturesque woodland walks and a walled garden, has suffered from neglect in recent years.
However, Fife Employment Access Trust wants to revive the estate, between Leven and Lundin Links, with ideas including reinstating its popular animal park, refurbishing its dilapidated buildings, building eco-chalets and hosting music festivals.
Fife Council has taken leasehold opportunities for the buildings, including the former flax mill, off the market to give FEAT, which wants to use Silverburn to promote wellbeing, 12 months to prepare a business plan and secure funding.
The chairman of Levenmouth area committee, Councillor Tom Adams, said: “This is not a done deal so there’s no guarantee that FEAT will take over at Silverburn.
“But this shows that the council supports FEAT’s vision for the property and, given the potential benefits to the community, we’re willing to give them some time and space to work out what could be feasible.
“I know it’s a long process but we have to make sure that whoever takes over Silverburn has a good chance of creating a lasting difference to the area.
“The park was given to the council by the Russell family on condition that it stays a quiet area used for the benefit of the public.
“We’ll have to see whether funding can be secured to support a sustainable business model but I look forward to seeing the concept turned into a concrete plan that we can take a final decision on.”
FEAT general manager Duncan Mitchell said: “Our approach is broadly based on using Silverburn to promote wellbeing, though we have also to create income-generating activities to make the proposals sustainable.
“The list of opportunities is endless but our key aims for the year are to create both an action plan and business plan that comprises activities that are wanted by the local community.”
FEAT held a community engagement workshop in January and among the aspirations discussed were the creation of a community cafe, allotments, forest school, cycling routes, nature trails, an activity zone, camping spaces and holiday huts for disabled people and carers.