Work has officially begun on a series of improvements to Kinneil Estate, thanks to £150,000 in funding secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The investment, driven by community feedback, will focus on enhancing access, biodiversity, and the estate's main drive, ensuring that the area remains a cherished space for both residents and visitors.

The funding was allocated based on a public vote held between July 12 and September 25, 2024, allowing local residents to decide on the priorities for the estate’s upgrades.

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A significant portion of the funding, £70,000, will be used to improve access and parking around Kinneil Estate. Work began on December 2 to upgrade car parks and access points, including the main 'Walled Garden' and Deanburn Bridge locations. Planned upgrades include:

• New road and car park surfaces

• Installation of bay linings, signage, and fencing

• New bollards to improve accessibility

During construction, there will be temporary disruptions, including the closure of some car parks.

The community vote also allocated £50,000 for enhancements to the estate's main drive. This will include the planting of 12 new avenue trees to fill gaps in the tree line, as well as improvements to signage, fencing, and bollards.

Boosting Biodiversity

A further £30,000 will be dedicated to boosting the estate’s biodiversity, starting with the planting of nectar-rich bulbs in the North Paddock. The Council will also partner with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) on additional biodiversity initiatives over the coming months.