National Pride Ltd has expanded its proposed development at St Ninians and Loch Fitty in Fife, with the purchase of Thornton Wood from Hargreaves Land Ltd.

The organisation proposes to repurpose and rejuvenate the former St Ninians open cast mine site to deliver an Eco-Therapy Wellness and Leisure Park. The original site of 376 hectares (930 acres) was purchased from Hargreaves Land in March 2021 and the purchase of Thornton Wood adds a further 18.84 hectares (46.55 acres) to the already huge land area.

Located next to junction 4 of the M90, near the villages and communities of Kelty and Kingseat, the combined 976-acre site will aim to promote health and wellness in mind and body, rejuvenation of spirit and mental resilience whilst at the same time delivering an exciting leisure, entertainment and tourism destination.

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Early concept proposals include accommodation units, a wellness spa complex on Loch Fitty, a technology park amongst areas set aside for guest entertainment. Buildings of innovative design, sensitively blended amongst landscaped bio-diverse ecology sanctuaries, will use the existing landscape contours to minimise any impact on existing wildlife in the development’s construction.

New observation areas on the former Fife Earth Project landform structures, created by renowned artist Charles Jencks, and known locally as the 'walnut whip', will provide guests with remarkable views over the stunning landscape. Use of renewable energy technology will be sympathetic to the natural environment and is part of National Pride's commitment to the climate emergency.

National Pride will incorporate the aims of the Fife Council Strategic Plan, and at the same time proving that rejuvenation of redundant land can be environmentally friendly and kind to our planet.

The development's aim is to bring considerable benefits to the local community including creating employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. There is a commitment to reinvest 10 per cent of National Pride's net profits into community projects.

National Pride acted as principal sponsors of the 2021 Scottish Coal Carrying Championships, which took place in Kelty in August, and was an amazing success. This is one of only two Coal Races in the world and a tremendous community event which it was proud to support and will continue to do so.