CONSTRUCTION of new mountain bike trails in Lochore Meadows Country Park clicked into gear when they were officially opened on Sunday.

The trails, which were completed on time and on budget at a cost of £129,000, mark the beginning of a £1.8 million investment project within the park that includes a new visitor centre and a golf clubhouse and pavilion.

The bike trail project, which received £69,000 from the Scottish Government's Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund, started at the end of last year and will allow Fife Council's Outdoor Education Team to attract more specialist groups, such as vulnerable groups from schools, community learning programmes and the local community, groups and visitors from further afield while also enhancing local recreational opportunities.

Ali Dreyer, outdoor learning manager with the council, said: "Lochore Meadows now has a fantastic network of trails that will be a real asset to the local community. This work builds on the success of the Meedies Bike Club, and demonstrates the strong partnership working they have with the Outdoor Education Centre in the park."

As part of the project, walking paths have been reinstated and tonnes of rubbish have been collected from the park.

Andy MacLellan, sports partnership manager, added: "As one of Scotland’s top free visitor attractions it’s great to see this investment being delivered for Lochore Meadows Country Park. Collectively these projects will improve the visitor experience and deliver even more sporting opportunities."

At the start of construction councillor Mark Hood, chair of the Cowdenbeath area committee and Fife Sports Partnership, said that the trails would be a "real asset to Lochore Meadows", and builds "on the success of one of Scotland's biggest bike clubs, the Meedies Bike Club, and is testament to the strong partnership working they have with the outdoor education centre in the park".

Construction of the golf clubhouse was boosted by a pledge of £83,000 from the Scottish Government's Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund, while the new visitor centre is set to be named after former Benarty councillor Willie Clarke.

Fife Council granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing centre, built in 1978 with an extension added 10 years later, which is considered out of date and "not fulfilling its function as a major tourist attraction for Lochore".

For more information on the mountain bike trails and other activities available at Lochore Meadows go to www.fifedirect.org.uk/outdooreducation.