Work to restore opencast mine sites across Fife have been recognised by the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.

Restoration work led by the council has sought to transform "blights on the landscape" caused by opencast mining works at Muirdean at Crossgates, Blair House at Oakley and St Ninians at Kelty.

-- Advertisement --

Local communities are benefiting from the work being done to bring the surrounding countryside back to life.

Convener of the council's South West Fife Area Committee Cllr Alice McGarry welcomed the news that the council is being recognised for the positive impact the restoration work is having.

She said: "It's great to see Fife's Planning Service being shortlisted for this excellent work.

"Opencast mining has had a devastating impact on our local environment and I know local people will join me in congratulating the council on the work that's being done to restore and enhance our beautiful landscape."

(MH/JG)