TK Maxx Kirkaldy

Fife’s coastline is often described as ‘The Fringe of Gold’, and is managed by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust. With many award winning beaches, along with many other secluded and tranquil sites, this coastline offers different seaside experiences. We work tirelessly with local communities and other organisations to maximise the quality of the public experience at these beaches and to encourage people to enjoy them while respecting their conservation value. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) is an independent environmental charity committed to conserving and enhancing the biodiversity and landscape of the Kingdom of Fife, for the benefit of all. Our aim is to widen access opportunities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience Fife’s coast and countryside; improve their health and well-being and develop their understanding and respect for the natural environment. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust volunteers contributed a staggering 6511 volunteer hours to the Trust in the last calendar year. We are exceedingly grateful to all who offer their own valuable time assisting us to present the Fife’s coast and countryside in the best possible light. The number of individual and corporate volunteers continues to grow annually. The activities they are involved in include tree planting, invasive species removal, nesting platforms for waterfowl, photography, constructing and repairing walkways, admin support at Harbourmaster’s House, litter picks and beach cleans. The Trusts funding comes mainly from statutory sources. This limited and ever-decreasing funding allows us to maintain the sites in our portfolio; however, we want to do much more along with develop new opportunities so the Trust is able to achieve our innovative aims and objectives. The Trust works to the department of Environments aims and objectives in protecting our environment by reducing pollution, protecting areas of parkland, wildlife reserves and marine bio diversity and the key outcomes of Scottish Governments ‘Six Steps to Nature’ match the Trusts ethos and values; and were vital in the planning of our ambitious program of work. Funding for the outdoor spaces throughout Fife such as core pathways, beaches, national parks such as the Lomond Hills and country parks in our portfolio have seen regular reductions in statutory funding and so a major part of the Trusts aims are to look at different, diverse and sustainable ways to raise the funding to maintain, improve and conserve Fife’s coast and countryside, keeping them open and accessible to all.