Ownership of a Fife reservoir has been transferred to the local community under the first ‘right to buy’ initiative of its kind in Scotland.
The people of Newburgh and surrounding area overwhelmingly backed a proposal to take over Lochmill Reservoir, which was formerly used by Scottish Water as the area’s main source of drinking water, with a dedicated team from the Newburgh Community Trust (NCT) formally taking responsibility for the reservoir yesterday.
With plans for a new pathway among the first projects in the pipeline, NCT chairman Andrew Arbuckle described the moment as a “wonderful day” for those in and around the Newburgh area.
“Even after the old Burgh Council gave Lochmill to the local authority in the 1970s, many of the older generation believed it still belonged to the town,” he explained.
“Now it certainly does. I would thank Fife Voluntary Action and other organisations for their help in bringing this dream to reality.”
Andrew Clegg, a member of the NCT and part of the team who will oversee the reservoir, added: “This has been a very successful outcome for the community of the Newburgh and Scottish Water, who have been a delight to work with.
“I would encourage other communities, where possible, to pursue opportunities to take control of the land around them through right to buy legislation.”
The reservoir, which was constructed in 1951, has a capacity of 363,000m3 enough to fill 145 Olympic swimming pools and is well known as a peaceful haven for wildlife and for those who like quiet walks in the country.
Since it was decommissioned in 2007, the community has instead been served by Lomond Hills Water Treatment Works.
Steve Scott, Scottish Water’s community team manager for Fife, explained: “Lochmill Reservoir served the community well for many years, providing Scottish Water customers with a source of high-quality drinking water.
“While the reservoir is no longer used to supply the community, it is well loved by many locals who enjoy the peace and tranquillity it offers.
“Reservoirs are wonderful places to enjoy the countryside and we would always remind visitors to stay safe and act responsibly around them.
“We’re really pleased that we’ve reached an agreement for the Newburgh Community Trust to acquire the reservoir under right to buy legislation.
“Significantly, it’s the first initiative of its kind involving a Scottish Water reservoir.
“It means the local community will be able to enjoy the area around the reservoir for many years to come.”
Yesterday’s move which has been funded with support from the Community Land Fund – has also been backed by Keith Brown, cabinet secretary for infrastructure, investment and cities.
“I wish the Newburgh Community Trust every success in the future,” he added.