New plan unveiled by Largo trust to help create ‘thriving’ communities (fifetoday.co.uk)
Read full article above – quoted below:
‘Largo Communities Together is a vision for an area which covers Largo, Lundin Links and several villages stretching from Silverburn up to the boundary of Ceres – and the team behind it want it to be a blueprint which leads to actions and support.
The Local Place Plan and Community Plan are two documents created by the trust and Largo Area Community Council which, put together, could lead to a “thriving, sustainable community” – in short, the pages set out the aims and aspirations of the people who live and work in the area.
The place plan is rich in detail. It covers everything from traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, to preserving heritage and the environment, travel plans, and housing. It has been a huge undertaking by the volunteer members of the trust supported by Priya Logan, its development officer.
She said: “It is not a dry plan. It captures what local people are already enthusiastic about and where their energies are going. It’s easy to find out what people are unhappy about, but it is important to also know what they are passionate about.”And across the Largo area, they found people with a real desire to see their area improved and developed. Launched in 2017, the trust has some 350 members – 10% of those eligible to vote in the area – and for Alistair Brown, its role is to listen and make sure people’s voices are then heard.
“We have taken the past, we are in the present and the future will be community action plan,” he said “Our job is to keep engaging with people so we are aware of any changes in voices.”The trust has set up a number of sub groups to focus specific passions and knowledge on key areas as it takes its remit across a huge range of issues. It wants to see community assets such as the Simpson Institute retained, while tapping into the area’s rich heritage, with more done to promote and celebrate its links to Alexander Selkirk.
Its coastal setting is perfect to explore more use of beach wheelchairs to improve accessibility to the shore, while new pathways could open up the great outdoors even further. The Friends of Largo Bay has taken off with huge enthusiasm – it is one of several sub groups at the heart of the plan – and that could open the door to tackling major issues such as upgrading sewage works, expanding wooded areas, and preserving Largo Pier.’
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Hi All,I hope this email finds you well. Yesterday was a momentous day for Friends of Largo Bay, and I’m thrilled to share their exciting updates with you. Seagrass Day at Largo Bay 🌱:Yesterday was Seagrass Day, and we were blessed with wonderful sunshine ☀️. With the full support of 19 dedicated volunteers, Friends of Largo Bay conducted a survey of a section of the Bay to determine the number of seagrass colonies growing there. Over the past few months, they have identified five colonies of variable sizes, but today’s painstaking and time-consuming observation rewarded us with the find of an additional sixth colony! Not only did they discover this new colony, but they also found a fair number of plants with seed pods. A huge thank you 🙏 to everyone who contributed with time, enthusiasm, and great company. Upcoming Beach CleanThe next Friends of Largo Bay Beach Clean is on the 26th of August at Silverburn and we want you there ! All details on the poster below. If you want to help the Friends of Largo Bay table at the Big Picnic, get in touch as it would be very much appreciated by all. |
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Final Fife Seaweed Farm Workshop 🌊:Don’t forget, the final Fife Seaweed farm workshop is on tomorrow evening with Fantastic Herbalist Anna Kinross and Local Food Ambassador Christopher Trotter. They’ll be sharing their insights on the possibilities and potencies of Seaweed. This promises to be an enlightening event, and we hope to see many of you there. FREE and no booking is required! 🎉 🗓️ It’s Happening August 8th 📍 Join Us At: Largo Library and Community Hub ⏰ We Kick-Off At: 7pm Take part in this adventure in the intriguing, awe-inspiring world of seaweed which has been generously sponsored by The Crown Estate. |
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A Reminder: The Big Picnic is Back! |
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Fellow Picnic Enthusiasts! Guess what’s back on the calendar? The much-loved, big picnic event! We are all set to bring the fun back on the 27th of August 2023, and we would be delighted to see you there! Are you part of a community group and keen to take part in this day of joy and camaraderie? If so don’t hesitate, reach out to us and let’s add even more sparkle to this day. Either way invite your pals and pack your favourite picnic goodies to relish amidst the cheerful festivities. Let’s hope we see the Sun too!. We’re also scouting for a melody maestro or a groovy band to add some foot-tapping charm to the event. Know someone or have the talent yourself? We would be thrilled to hear you play live at the picnic! 🎵 Last but not least, we have an exciting announcement to make. By the time we meet for the picnic, our draft Local Place Plan will be ready for your perusal. We’d love for you to swing by, say hello, and share your valuable feedback on the plan before we finalize it. 📜 So, come along and let’s create unforgettable memories together! Can’t wait to see you! |
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A big thanks to everyone who dropped in to the Friends of Largo Bay tent and hope you all had a wonderful Largo Arts Week. We’re thrilled to remind you about the 2nd Largo Fife Seaweed Farm Talk, happening THIS VERY EVENING at the Largo Library and Community Hub. What’s more? It’s absolutely FREE and no booking is required! 🎉 We’re privileged to host Charles Millar, the CEO of the Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust, and Jayson Byles from East Neuk Seaweed. These dedicated seaweed enthusiasts will enlighten us about Seaweed and Sustainability and unfold the mesmerizing secrets of our local coasts and intertidal zones. 🌊 It’s the perfect chance to strengthen your knowledge about what Seaweed can do and what options are down the line and gather insights on how you can contribute to a more sustainable approach to our oceans. 🌍💚 🗓️ It’s Happening This Evening: August 1st 📍 Join Us At: Largo Library and Community Hub ⏰ We Kick-Off At: 7pm Take part in this adventure in the intriguing, awe-inspiring world of seaweed which has been generously sponsored by The Crown Estate. Looking forward to seeing you this evening, the last one is next week, all details below…. |
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A Reminder: The Big Picnic is Back! |
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Fellow Picnic Enthusiasts! Guess what’s back on the calendar? The much-loved, big picnic event! We are all set to bring the fun back on the 27th of August 2023, and we would be delighted to see you there! Are you part of a community group and keen to take part in this day of joy and camaraderie? If so don’t hesitate, reach out to us and let’s add even more sparkle to this day. Either way invite your pals and pack your favourite picnic goodies to relish amidst the cheerful festivities. Let’s hope we see the Sun too!. We’re also scouting for a melody maestro or a groovy band to add some foot-tapping charm to the event. Know someone or have the talent yourself? We would be thrilled to hear you play live at the picnic! 🎵 Last but not least, we have an exciting announcement to make. By the time we meet for the picnic, our draft Local Place Plan will be ready for your perusal. We’d love for you to swing by, say hello, and share your valuable feedback on the plan before we finalize it. 📜 So, come along and let’s create unforgettable memories together! Can’t wait to see you! |
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We hope this email finds you in high spirits as Largo Arts Week comes alive with vibrant activities. all details here: Largo Arts Week | Largoartsweek. There’s an abundance of things to do and see in the villages and the Friends of Largo Bay have also set up shop at the Temple Car Park, creating a welcoming space for everyone to stop in learn about the biodiversity and activities and do a quick litter pick if you fancy . Go say hello !! |
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Largo Fife Seaweed Farm Workshops ! |
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Make sure and mark your calendars for the upcoming Fife Seaweed Farm workshops, the first one being on Tuesday, 25th July, at Largo Library, it starts at 7 pm and ends at 8:30pm. This first event will feature Rory McPhee, seaweed expert, and Cally Nurse, an incredible artist. Together, they will offer a fresh perspective on seaweed, providing a unique experience and new viewpoints, don’t miss out. No need to book in advance, just come along and enjoy the evening, subsequent dates are available on the poster below. |
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The Big Picnic is Back! |
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We’re also thrilled to announce that the highly-anticipated big picnic is making its comeback on the 27th of August 2023! We’d love to see you there, and if you represent a community group and want to be part of the event, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Of course, you’re more than welcome to join us for a splendid day with your friends, bringing your own picnic to enjoy the festivities. Speaking of festivities, we are also on the lookout for a talented musician(s)to add some extra charm to the day. If you or someone you know has a musical flair, we’d be delighted to have you play on the day! Furthermore, we have some great news to share – our draft Local Place Plan will be completed by then, so, don’t miss the opportunity to come and say hello, and let us know your thoughts on it before submission. |
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Pony Axes Return |
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Pony Axe S takes people who use wheelchairs to all the places where wheelchairs can’t take them. There is no need to transfer to all terrain or beach wheelchairs, no need to leave your wheelchair behind. They take you, in your wheelchair, anywhere & we are now taking bookings for some specially arranged dates in Lower Largo ! The remaining dates for Pony AxeS events this summer are below, though they are booking fast. People had such a good time at the previous ones.
Time – 10.30-4.30 approximately – pony dependent! Check out www.ponyaxes.com to get more background on this amazing organisation. Please click below to book. We will communicate to get a time to suit if your first choice isn’t available as it may book out quickly! |
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At our next (and final Build Our Place Plan) workshop, we’ll explore the natural environment, conservation, and recreation. Join us, no special knowledge required just curiosity! As a community we are exploring how to manage natural spaces including Land, Rivers, and Sea and connections to wild spaces for today and the future and considering the needs of people who live here. Let’s explore what’s here now and what’s possible. In addition, we will look at how this connects with groups and organisations that can help. We will gather on Wednesday, June 21st, we will begin at 6:30pm at Durham Hall in Lower Largo. Feel free to come along, settle in and enjoy a cup of tea anytime from 6pm Although it’s usually a little earlier, we will definitely wrap up by 9pm. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are always available! Follow the link below to let us know if you can attend. Tell anyone you think would be interested who is not on our mailing list about the event. Please let us know in advance if you require any assistance to participate. Thank you. (We are also always looking for people to take things forward so let us know if you can help with any of our projects by replying to this email.) |
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Pony Axes Return |
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Pony Axe S takes people who use wheelchairs to all the places where wheelchairs can’t take them. It was such a great success when they came before ! There is no need to transfer to all terrain or beach wheelchairs, no need to leave your wheelchair behind. They take you, in your wheelchair, anywhere & we are now taking bookings for some specially arranged dates in Lower Largo ! The dates for Pony AxeS events this summer are:
Time – 10.30-4.30 approximately – pony dependent! Check out www.ponyaxes.com to get more background on this amazing organisation. Please click below to book. We will communicate to get a time to suit if your first choice isn’t available as it may book out quickly! |
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Fathers Day Beach Clean |
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It’s the best way to spend Fathers Day, we promise! Come along and join in with this beach clean, and if you can bring your dad – do ( and anyone else ) enjoy a pickers perk afterwards in the sea air . We always have such a great time and get so much shifted. |
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Largo Area Community Council |
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The Largo Area Community Council monthly meeting is on at – The Stables Church Place Upper Largo This coming Monday 19.06.23 at 7pm |
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Fife Seaweed Farm Workshops |
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The next workshops are in Crail Community Hall: Wednesday 21st June Tuesday 27th June No need to register, just turn up! |
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New Baby and Toddler Group in New Gilston – all details below |
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What’s on Page |
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Have you visited our What’s On Page ? Add your events and regular classes or have a browse. We are just developing so any feedback welcome. |
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A massive thank you to everyone who has been able to make it along to any of these workshops. We are building so many great ideas that will enhance the area and tackle ongoing issues. At the end of this process we will feed back all the ideas that came in and give you a chance to vote on what matters most in your opinion. Our next workshop is on heritage and legacy and looks at how we can protect and celebrate the history and culture locally and how we want to develop into the future. It will be on at the Simpson Institute, Upper Largo, Tuesday the 6th of June, come anytime after 6pm to start by 6:30pm. We will wrap up by 9pm though it’s usually a little earlier. Please let us know if you can come by following the link below so we can get an idea of numbers. If you know someone who is not on our mailing list and you think would be interested to attend please let them know. If you need any kind of assistance to participate please let us know in advance and we can prepare. Thank you |
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We continue to thank everyone who has shown an interest in these Deeper Dive workshops and want to remind you that you are helping to build an incredible amount of ideas for the future of the Largo Area. Knowing that the time and format may not suit everyone we will have an insert in the upcoming Largo Links so keep an eye out and if you missed a workshop take some time in your household to get your ideas down, we want to catch all ages groups, interests basically as many people as we can. We will close the gathering of these ideas at the end of June to prioritise. There is also a survey in the link below, let us know what you think ! |
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Seaweed Workshops continue. Amanda Root who is a member of the group Friends Of Largo Bay and a keen seaweed advocate is running a series of free workshops looking at the whole subject and the very many uses and benefits with a longer term view to community run seaweed farming. It has been generously funded by The Crown Estate and they will run in Anstruther, Crail and Largo. There was a great turn out to the first one and lots of interest in Seaweed. The third one is this evening with Phil Taylor and Duncan Campbell at the Dreel Halls in Anstruther at 7pm, just show up. All dates available on the website. Click below for full details. |
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We want you along to our workshop, and it would be great to get a variety of inputs about specific things such as:
The goal of the workshop is to come up with a range of practical ideas and actions that would help make the villages safer and more connected. Even if you can’t make the workshop or if you can, it would be great to get an image, a story or even a short video of something you struggle with in your area to give us points of discussion and an idea of the range of things we can tackle. Send something in by hitting reply with a phone number and I will get back to you! The workshop will run on Wednesday the 3rd of May The Paxton Centre in Lundin Links from 6pm until 9pm – it is not a drop in so come at 6 to start for 6:30. Please register by following the link below so we can get an idea of numbers. If you need any kind of assistance to participate please let us know in advance and we can prepare. Thank you ! |
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The Local Place Plan information boards are still at the Largo Library and more information is below. As always get in touch if you want more information or need assistance including transport to participate. |
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Be A Friend To Largo Bay ! |
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Friends of Largo Bay have not been missing a beat and now have a full calendar of beach cleans. See below ! They are also linking with a new arts project which is spread across the communities of The Forth called the 100 Species and Friends Of Largo Bay have chosen to look at the Dog Whelk and representing this small but surprisingly predatory creature in artistic ways to link with a bigger exhibition. No special arts experience needed – everyone welcome ! There are also opportunities to get involved with marine biodiversity monitoring for NatureScot and to build knowledge of what is in the bay. If you want to get involved with any of these projects and activities drop Friends of Largo Bay a line on [email protected] |
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Many thanks for reading if you want to get in touch, just hit reply. |
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Our next deeper dive workshop is on the 3rd of May |
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Book in now to have your sayWe would love to have you to our next deeper dive workshop. This workshop will cover hot topics such as accessible pathways, getting around the villages, traffic and parking these came up a lot when we first surveyed the community. We know that there are opportunities to build and improve pathways that can be used by all ages and accommodate mobility scooters, prams, bikes and are safe for children. There are a few areas that have already come up as particularly in need of improvement and we want to hear your voice. We will also gather your ideas for dealing with speed, parking and traffic density. Our aim is to support community aspirations and co-create projects and actions that encourage an easy place to get around for everyone. This will be on Wednesday the 3rd of May The Paxton Centre in Lundin Links from 6pm until 9pm – it is not a drop in so come at 6 to start for 6:30. Please register by following the link below so we can get an idea of numbers. |
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A huge thank you to our fantastic community facilitators, the many volunteers who kept things organised and the tea flowing and Dave Wishart and Chiara Fingland who came to add their time, help and expertise to Tuesday evenings event in the Simpson Institute. And we really appreciate everyone who joined us on such a lovely sunny evening to share their experience and insights. We got so much useful feedback and it will all go into a bank of actions and projects to be prioritised by the community over Summer. We will keep you updated and it will all go a long way to helping make what is already happening more resilient too. |
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Below is the full run, one down four to go… |
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The Local Place Plan information boards are still at the Largo Library and more information is below. As always get in touch if you want more information or need assistance including transport to participate. |
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Be A Friend To Largo Bay ! |
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There is another Friends of Largo Bay beach clean this weekend ! Elie to Cockleburn all details in the below poster. Send an email to [email protected] to let them know you’re coming. Lundie Coffee Company, Lundin Links will be offering pickers perks ( discounts ) for anyone who participates too ! |
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Want to find out more: get in touch
September 2022
As we roll into September, let’s take a look back at what we’ve been up to with the Largo Communities Together place plan. We’ve been pretty tied up with the Restoration Forth Project lately, focusing on our beach and sea—no surprises there if you’ve taken a stroll along our coast.
Our journey kicked off with a neat visit to the Ecology Centre earlier this year. We learned a lot about community involvement, and that got us fired up. We’re now part of the Coastal Communities Network, teaming up for beach clean-ups and getting some great advice from folks like Lyle from Project Seagrass.
One eye-opener was a recent clean-up where we found a whopping 89 pieces of rubbish on what looked like a pristine beach. It was a reminder that there’s still plenty of work to do, but it was a lesson for us all.
But we’re not giving up. We’ve got another clean-up planned for this Friday and Sunday.
Looking ahead, we’re feeling positive about what’s to come.
Together, we’re making strides towards a cleaner, brighter future for Largo Bay.
Let’s keep working together and see where this journey takes us.
During the month of March, we sent out a community views postcard and online survey asking three simple questions about the area we live in. We were delighted to receive such a wide range of thoughtful responses back.
We are now analysing the results in a full and thorough way and sorting them into priorities. We will communicate and pass on relevant information to other organizations while we plan our next stage, which will involve interviewing people across the villages and getting to know the needs of individuals, groups and other establishments better too.
This word cloud represents the words that came up when you talked about what you love about the area you live in.
From the outset so many of you who replied emphasised how much you value the community and connections we have in the local area, the sea and coast, and the thriving activity that occurs in the local villages. 
Because of this it seems timely for Largo Communities to host an open event that will coincide with UN Oceans day. On Saturday the 11th we will host a Community Sea Day in Lower Largo, starting with a path and beach clean-up kicking off at 1pm at the Temple Car Park.
This will be followed by a beachcomb, sand art and stroll along the coast; a wild swim for those brave enough with the swans group; a gander by the sailing club; some rock pooling when the tide gets low enough and some “sand pier” building by the pier at the back of the Crusoe wrapping up around 4pm
Wear your wellies and bring a bag for rubbish and your bucket and spade!
We will also have an evening event at the Aurrie from 7pm until around 9pm hosting a showing of Into the Oceanic by Rob Page and Elizabeth Oglivie who will be there to talk about what inspired their film about marine health and the many relationships people have with the sea.
We will have an exhibition of Sea inspired art with prizes, drop any entries in to the Aurrie between the 1st of June and the 8th of June or email [email protected].
The evening will also provide a chance to talk about our involvement as a community in Restoration Forth and the ongoing work and vision of the Pier group.
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