Lochgelly has been named Scotland’s Most Improved Town of 2016, following a stiff competition from Auchterarder, Linwood and Gourock.
The Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum (SURF) awarded the town with the title during a ceremony last month. The award recognises best practise, innovation and the improvement of the well-being of a town’s communities.
Fife Council cited “the transformation of the Public Park, the new housing projects, Rockgelly, Cycle loop and regeneration of the Town House there are physical changes showing improvement” as well as “work undertaken by the Gala and Christmas Lights group and Growing in Lochgelly” as factors that led to the town’s nomination.
Lochgelly carried a certain negative reputation for a time. It has previously been shortlisted for the dreaded “Plook on the Plinth” award and in 2004 the former mining town was named “Britain’s Worst Place to Live”.
The SURF judges had this to say following the ceremony: “Named ‘Britain’s worst place to live’ in 2004, the former mining town has been transformed by a series of ambitious and collaborative initiatives in recent years, enhancing its physical appearance, pride of place, and reputation.”
Representing Lochgelly at the award ceremony were Helen Ross from Lochgelly Community Development Forum, Brian Schultz from Lochgelly Community Council and Hazel Cross from Fife Council.
Hazel Cross, who headed up the development of Lochgelly said: “Lochgelly has been on a journey of people and place and the collaborative working over a number of years has helped change the face of Lochgelly by improving the towns assets, creating new housing, leisure and business opportunities.
“The Lochgelly community is strong and determined and have delivered a range of community led projects throughout the town over the years and I know Lochgelly will continue to be successful.”
Brian Schultz added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Lochgelly, and the hard work of all of the organisations and volunteers in Lochgelly, is finally getting the recognition it deserves as Lochgelly is a fantastic town that is always improving.”
Councillor Mark Hood, chair of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee, added: “For Lochgelly to win this prestigious award just proves that the hard work and determination of everyone involved in improving Lochgelly is paying off.
“The community and all of the key agencies and partners have shown sustained commitment and resilience in taking plans for Lochgelly forward and it fully deserves the title of Scotland’s Most Improved Town 2016.”
