Three new heritage trails are now live across the Heartlands of Fife, giving local people and visitors the chance to discover the area’s rich history while encouraging more people to visit and spend longer here.
The new digital trails – in Burntisland, Dysart and Kirkcaldy – are available through a free app available on the Apple Store and Google Play. They use GPS to guide people around each town. Along the way, people can explore historic sites, parks and waterfronts, while learning more about the stories and people that shaped these communities.
Each trail includes interactive features, including augmented reality experiences that bring local characters to life – from world-renowned economist Adam Smith in Kirkcaldy to explorer John McDouall Stuart in Dysart and scientist Mary Somerville in Burntisland.
The trails are part of a £150,000 investment from the Community Recovery Fund. They’re aimed at attracting more people to visit the area, supporting local businesses and encouraging people to spend more time in our town centres.
Other activities include a fossil trail on the coastal path between Kirkcaldy and Kinghorn and playground games on the prom in Kirkcaldy. These give families even more to see and do. Work is also under way to develop additional trails in Ravenscraig, Dunnikier and Beveridge Park.
As well as highlighting well-known landmarks, the trails also shine a light on lesser-known locations and stories, giving visitors – and residents – new reasons to explore.
Councillor Ian Cameron, Convener of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee, said: “These new heritage trails are a great way to help locals and visitors explore the Heartlands of Fife and learn more about the area’s history in a fun and interactive way.
“They represent the realisation of an enormous amount of work by our local team including important contributions from our key community partners and Peel Associates, who created the app and delivered content in such interesting and accessible format.
“This investment is about bringing more people into our town centres, supporting local businesses and making the most of what makes these places unique. Whether you live here or you’re visiting for the first time, there’s something new to discover.”
