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"Working in partnership for our environment"
The KCAPT is a unique environmental project which brings together the community,
in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage and Perth and Kinross Council,
united in their common objective of sustaining the special quality of life
enjoyed by us all and to ensure that future generations inherit a better
environment.
The KCAPT itself evolved from the Loch Leven Community Action Group
which had been formed in the aftermath of the much publicised 1992 Natural
Heritage Festival, at Loch Leven, the event having achieved considerable
notoriety when all the water-based activities had to be cancelled due to
a toxic bloom of blue green algae. In the aftermath of this environmental
catastrophe the community had united in action to take responsibility for
this exceptional habitat With the growing awareness of the causes of the
bloom came the understanding of the long term benefits of united community
action to safeguard the future health of the Loch. It was soon recognised
by members of the LLCAG that there were broader environmental issues that
the community wished to address in their environment and the KCAPT was
conceived.
In September 1993 the KCAPT appointed a Community Action Officer to
act as an enabler and facilitator for community projects. The appointment
was made possible through receipt of a grant from SNH and latterly supplemented
by Perth and Kinross Council. It soon became apparent that given the particular
geographical restrictions of access to lowland Kinross-shire; the bisection
of the area by the M90 motorway and the location of Loch Leven and the
surrounding hills, that there was a perceived problem of access. Through
liaison with Community Councils, SNH, Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust,
the Kinross Strategy Group, The Civic Trust Perth and Kinross Council and
other grant aiding, advisory, statutory and voluntary bodies the KCAPT
have been able to develop towards implementation of a number of key projects
which otherwise would not have received prioritisation.
PROJECTS COMPLETED.
Burleigh Sands Footpath link, between Kinross and the Public
Access Area of the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve. Disabled Access
gate and landscaping work at the Burleigh Sands Carpark.
Cost £91,702
Funding partners SNH, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, The Civic Trust, Perth
and Kinross Heritage Trust, Kinross Ladies Morning Group.
Access gate provided by SNH Design and Advisory Service and the Fieldfare
Trust
 
Volunteers from Elmswood College, Cupar helped out at Burleigh
Sands
Tillywhally Woodland Strip, Milnathort Footpath, landscaping and
provision of seating.
Cost: £7,733.
Funding partners, SNH and the Scottish Office.
"The Drovers Way" footpath, Kinross, between the Gallowhill road
and the Davis Park.
Cost: £1,000 (legal and administration costs).
Funding partners, Perth and Kinross Council, Kinross Rotary Club
and a private donation.
There are a number of key projects that the KCAPT have been able
to assist in their development:
Portmoak Moss, Kinnesswood. The "Tetley Trail", Kinnesswood and
the Blackhill Wood, Stronachie.
The KCAPT is currently involved in the promotion of the "Round Loch
Leven Cycle Initiative", working in partnership with The Countryside Trust,
the first phase of which is due to be started in November 1998. Cost, £56,000.
Funding Partners: The Scottish Office, "Cycle Challenge Fund" and European
Objective 2 Funding., The restoration of the historic monument known as
Parenwell Bridge, Lochran, by Kinross as well as a number of access related
projects in the Crook of Devon area.
The Community Action Officer would be pleased to hear from members of
the community who would like to discuss a potential project within Kinross-shire.
Please phone the Community Action Officer, preferably during office
hours, on 01577 864105 to discuss your ideas. |
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