The public is to take part in in a restoration project that will transform the River Leven into an attractive tourist destination.
Members of the Levenmouth community have been invited to an information session to ensure they are aware of the ambitious scheme, which includes creating paths to link communities along the river.
The event on November 13 will be the first of a range of consultation events aimed at gaining a better understanding of the relationship between the river and the community and how it can be improved.
The Leven: Growing With The Flow programme to restore the waterway’s natural assets is being led by environment agency Sepa to ensure it becomes a positive asset to the area.
It aims to maximise cultural, economic and social opportunities by 2030, promoting biodiversity, tourism, heritage and active travel.
The first session at the Fife Renewables Innovation Centre will talk about how communities can become more connected to the river and to each other.
It is also intended to make use of vacant and derelict land.
Over the next decade the goal is to bring in more tourists by making the area a “go to” destination.
SNP councillor Ross Vettraino, convener of the environment, protective and community services committee, said Fife Council was also involved in driving the regeneration.
“It’s a great opportunity for positive change,” he said.
“Working together, we will pool resources and skills to ensure this project puts local people and the environment at its heart and that the benefits are long term.”
Historically, the River Leven was known as the engine of mid-Fife as it sustained several hundred mills and factories.
Since then the river has become disconnected from communities as its perceived importance has diminished.
This has led to environmental challenges, including barriers to fish migration and issues with water quality.
More than £300,000 has been awarded by Sustrans Scotland’s Community Links scheme and Sepa’s Water Environment Fund for the first stage of the project, focusing on a 5km stretch of water near Leven.
