Boost for Buckhaven that puts heritage and opportunity at the heart of regeneration.

Heritage-led regeneration in Buckhaven that celebrates the area's historic buildings and will create new opportunities for local people has secured major funding.

£1.2 million support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been announced for the five-year project.

Buckhaven Heritage will see investment in historic local buildings while delivering new opportunities for training, skills development and community projects.

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: "We are proud to support Buckhaven Heritage, Fife Historic Buildings Trust and Fife Council 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.

“Understanding how people feel about their heritage is vital to meaningful regeneration and this project will ensure Buckhaven's built and cultural heritage is cherished and enjoyed now and for generations to come.

"With our support, thanks to National Lottery players, Buckhaven Heritage will invest in local opportunities. Delivering learning and training for young people, supporting health and wellbeing, and skills development for all ages. Ensuring heritage is a powerful driver of local pride and prosperity."

Led by Fife Council in partnership with Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT), the project is guided by a local partnership board that brings together organisations with a shared commitment to the future of Buckhaven, Denbeath and Muiredge.

The Partnership Board includes Autism Rocks, The Community Trade Hub, Buckhaven and Denbeath Community Council, Buckhind Players, Community-Led Environmental Action for Regeneration (CLEAR) and New Hope Kirk Levenmouth.

Levenmouth Area Committee Convenor, Cllr Alistair Suttie welcomed the funding announcement, saying: “This is just another example of the change and growth we are seeing in the wider Levenmouth Area, following the return of the railway. 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.

“Through local partnership work we aren’t just protecting our past we are creating skills, training and future employment opportunities. By preserving these buildings, we are creating good quality, community facilities with improved accessibility and many uses for future generations to enjoy.”

Jim Birrell, Chair of Fife Historic Buildings Trust, said: “This is a fantastic step forward for Buckhaven Heritage, and we would like to thank the project partners and the wider community for their support and input to shaping the project plans. Buckhaven has a fascinating history, and we’re really looking forward to working with everyone to protect and celebrate the heritage during the exciting five-year programme.”

Buckhaven's story is one of resilience and reinvention. Originally a thriving fishing community, the town later became closely linked to the coal mining industry, with generations of families building their lives around the area's changing industries.

Times have changed but the memories, traditions and sense of place remain deeply important to local people.

Buckhaven Heritage takes a place-based approach that recognises it is the combined power of local stories, historic buildings, shared memories and cherished landmarks that shapes how people feel about where they live, work and meet.

The project will invest in important buildings, such as Buckhaven Parish Church, now owned by Autism Rocks, and the Community Trade Hub.

Restoration and conservation works will secure the future of these buildings while creating improved facilities, greater accessibility and new uses.

A major programme of public realm improvements will also enhance the heart of Buckhaven.

Plans include upgrades to green spaces, restoration of historic features, better links between heritage sites and new interpretation that tells the story of the area's fishing, mining and social history.

Local people will be at the centre of shaping and sharing that story through taking part in research, memory-gathering activities, public art and the development of a new interactive heritage trail.

The project is designed to deliver lasting social and economic benefits. A comprehensive traditional skills training programme will support young people and residents to gain experience in areas such as stonework, joinery and conservation. Participants will benefit from hands-on learning, employability support and pathways into further training and employment.

The investment comes at a pivotal time for Levenmouth, complementing significant regeneration already underway, including the reopening of the Leven rail line, new business development and major housing investment. By connecting heritage, skills and community development, the project aims to ensure local people benefit directly from the area's wider transformation.

Picture: 

Front row (l-r)

Cllr Ken Caldwell, Vice-Convenor of Fife Council Levenmouth Area Committee; Andy Milne, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Committee for Scotland; Jim Birrell Chair of Fife Historic Buildings Trust.

Back row (l-r)

Marion Garry and Dr Allen Armstrong of CLEAR Buckhaven and Methil; Rev. Elisabeth Cranfield and Linda Young New Hope Kirk Levenmouth;, New Hope Kirk Levenmouth; Colin Davie, chair of Autism Rocks; Cllr. Anne Marie Caldwell; Cllr. John O'Brien