One of Fife’s most prominent parks is set for a grand reopening at the end of this month.
Craigtoun Park in St Andrews used to be one of the Kingdom’s main visitor attractions but in recent years has been neglected by cash-strapped Fife Council, which has owned it since 1947.
In a bid to secure the park’s future and get the much-loved attractions at the 47-acre site such as the Craigtoun Miniature Railway up and running again, a group of volunteers from St Andrews Community Council set up a trust in February last year.
The Friends of Craigtoun Park have been fundraising ever since and, with the help of Fife Council, have been refurbishing the park entrance, toilet block and office area.
They have also been erecting fencing around the train track, providing new information boards and directional signs, replacing litter bins and sprucing up the floral gardens.
It is hoped that once the park reopens VisitScotland might upgrade it from a two-star rating to a three.
Friends chairman Kyffin Roberts said: “Everyone has been working really hard over the past few months to ensure the park is looking tip-top and ready for visitors for the grand opening on March 29, which will be officially carried out by Fife Provost Jim Leishman.
“We are very excited about being able to bring back some of the old attractions, including the train, crazy golf and putting, and another attraction is the cafe.
“There was some confusion on our Facebook page about whether there was going to be an entry fee, but I can confirm that entry to the park is free, but there will be a cost for the attractions.”
He thanked everyone who has helped so far and added that there is still a lot of work to be done “so we are actively seeking volunteers”.
Kate Hughes, North East Fife area services manager, told The Courier: “We have been meeting and working with the Friends of Craigtoun to ensure that everything is in place in time for Easter weekend, when the Friends are having their opening event.”