A GROUP striving to improve Lochore Meadows has been granted charity status.

The Friends of Lochore Meadows Group have been meeting for a few years now and had initially been set-up as a steering group, then formalising a Constituted Management Committee.

Over the past few months, the group members have been in discussion and working alongside Fife Council officers and Fife Voluntary Action in order to take forward a more formalised status for the organisation.

They are now "delighted" to be registered as a charity which will enable the group to continue its partnership work with Fife Council, but with many other benefits such as taking forward projects for the betterment of the park, attract funding and carry out engagement initiatives.

Throughout its existence, the group has undertaken some projects including the winter lighting, litter picking, works within the park and taking part in some decision-making processes.

Members have also undertaken consultation projects regarding the park overall, along with involvement in the recent community engagement development sessions prior to Christmas 2023.

Friends of Lochore Meadows are looking forward to and are excited about the prospects ahead and aim to take the park and its amenities forward in a partnership-based approach with the stakeholders and communities.

The group thanked area manager Sarah Roxburgh, Fife Council officers and Fife Voluntary Action, for their time and ongoing support.

David McKay, vice chair said: “On behalf of myself and the group members, we are delighted to achieve SCIO status.

"The group have worked tirelessly over the last few years creating a foundation for the organisation's future, and all the hard work is coming to fruition.

"Friends of Lochore Meadows has been involved in various projects since forming and have been instrumental in leading on, and supporting Fife Council to take forward developments which will shape the park's future.

"Lochore Meadows is a central destination for people from all over Fife and beyond and we aim to do our upmost best in assisting the park's ambitions going forward.

"The park has much to offer in terms of education, heritage, tourism, biodiversity and recreation, and we are looking forward to working alongside local communities, groups, services and organisations with the aim of creating a destination park that we are all proud of.”

Councillor Alex Campbell, Convenor for Cowdenbeath Area Committee said: “I’m thrilled to hear the great news that Friends of Lochore Meadows are now a confirmed charity.

"This official recognition only emphasises how hard they work and how important their input is in managing the great facility we have on our doorstep.

“Friends of Lochore Meadows played an integral part in the community engagement sessions last year, as well as the consultation around the development plans at the park and I’ve no doubt they will continue to work hard with Elected Members, Officers and most importantly the local community to ensure that everyone can have their say on future developments at the Meedies!

“Lochore Meadows has been enjoyed by generations of Fifers and we will work in partnership with FOLM and the wider community to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

"We should be proud of what we have, and all make sure we look after this extraordinary park.”