Buckhaven was once a thriving fishing community, and in more recent times the coal mining industry drove the local economy. The memories, traditions and sense of place these industries created remain important to people who live there today.
Local people, community groups and partner organisations will drive this project. The Buckhaven Heritage Partnership Board (made up of local community organisations), Fife Council and Fife Historic Buildings Trust are working together to deliver the project in a way that reflects what matters most to local people.
The project will restore and conserve historic buildings to secure their future, including Buckhaven Parish Church and the Community Trade Hub, creating better facilities and improving accessibility.
Public spaces in the town centre will also be upgraded, with restored historic features and new signs telling the story of the area's fishing, mining and social history. Local people will help shape this story by taking part in research, gathering memories, creating public art and developing a new heritage trail.
A skills training programme will teach traditional building trades, such as stonework and joinery, giving young people and residents hands-on experience and routes into further training and jobs.
Caroline Clark, our Director for Scotland, said: "We are proud to support Buckhaven Heritage to work with local people and organisations, not just listening to their views but making sure they are actively involved and at the heart of the project."
Cllr Alistair Suttie, Levenmouth Area Committee Convenor at Fife Council, said: “This latest investment recognises that the past is an integral part of the future and that this area has a very bright future ahead of it."
