A Dunfermline MSP has urged Fife Council to improve access to green spaces across the City and surrounding areas.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has made £15 million available to local councils, which can apply for grants between £250,000 and £1 million to help communities benefit from increased access to nature.

The Lottery is working closely with NatureScot and Greenspace Scotland, to deliver this through the Nature, Towns and Cities fund.

MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "I would urge Fife Council to seize this opportunity to bring much-needed green spaces to Dunfermline and West Fife. 

"This could have a transformative impact on our communities, improving physical and mental health, and creating more resilient and connected neighbourhoods.

"According to the latest Scottish Household Survey, over a third of adults living in urban areas do not have access to a green space within a five-minute walk of their home. 

"The Nature Towns and Cities programme aims to address some of these inequalities by supporting the creation of new parks, gardens, and community spaces.”

“Fife Council has the chance to lead the way in creating vibrant, greener local communities.”

Dunfermline’s green spaces have seen some improvement in recent years, including the long-term denaturalisation of the Lynne Burn.

However, some residents experience trouble accessing local green areas, including Headwell residents who await the completion of work which will enable the community to enjoy its local park.

Research shows that access to green space can be beneficial to people’s physical and mental health, as well as positive for wildlife and habitats.