Following the two-week public vote, over thirty community projects are now celebrating success after being chosen to receive funding and make their ideas a reality. 

A collaboration between Fife Council and its communities, “You Decide” is overseen by a community-led steering group of residents from the Kirkcaldy area, working together with the council’s Kirkcaldy Area Team to deliver the initiative.  

Among a varied range of project ideas, those the public chose to be funded include: A water sports hub by Seafield; a new playpark at Linton Lane Centre; Boxing fitness for Women & children with disabilities; a Kirkcaldy area community cinema; Burntisland Hedgehog Haven; Beveridge Park community Cafe; Inspire disabled drama group; Beehives in Ravenscraig Park and a Whale and sea-life viewing park near Kinghorn Harbour. 

Voting on the projects kicked off with a hugely successful public open day on March 15 at Adam Smith Theatre, before continuing online until the end of the month.  

Over 5,000 votes were cast during the period with the public asked to choose their favoured projects from four categories: Community and Social; Creative and Cultural; Ecology and Environmental and Leisure and Recreational. Funding awards ranging from £500 to £15,000. 

Cllr Ian Cameron, convenor of the Kirkcaldy Area Cttee, said: “On behalf of my fellow members on the Kirkcaldy area committee - and Fife Council overall - I’d like to extend our congratulations to all the successful projects chosen to receive funding and now look forward to the positive impact they’ll now invariably have on the communities in which they’ll operate.   

“A number of great projects were unfortunately not successful, and we will provide these groups with information of potential alternative sources of funding.  

 “There were truly some incredible and inspiring ideas submitted during this process, and the excitement, passion and creativity it has generated have really been inspiring. Well done to all involved and good luck for the future.” 

Paul McGhie, chair of the You Decide Kirkcaldy Area community steering group, added: “The You Decide project has shown just how much community spirit and creativity exist in the Kirkcaldy area. The steering group would like to express its sincere thanks to everyone who put forward projects and participated in the vote. Your response has been fantastic and truly inspiring. 

“Many congratulations to the projects that have secured funding. The exciting part begins now as these projects receive their money and come to life. We look forward to seeing them do great things! 

“While we wish every project could have been funded, we encourage those who missed out this time to keep trying. We hope that opportunities will arise to develop your projects in the future.”