ARDROY are calling on West Fifers to share their stories as the outdoor education centre celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Anyone who has fond memories of their time at the activity venue is being urged to tell their 'Ardroy Story' in Dunfermline next Thursday.

The event, held in Pittencrieff Park, will also mark the beginning of their fundraising campaign to replace the centre's existing accommodation block, originally built for its grand opening 50 years ago.

David Thorpe, Ardroy’s centre manager, said: "This is a significant milestone for Ardroy.

"The current team are incredibly proud to be continuing to deliver life-changing experiences through residential learning in the outdoors, 50 years on from when the centre opened.

"To continue to sustain and improve what we do for future generations, however, we need to replace 'Heron Block'."

Their aim is to now demolish the current structure and replace it with the new two-storey ‘Pine Marten Block’, which will house dormitories adaptable into family units, bathroom facilities, meeting rooms, a classroom and staff room.

Ardroy was first opened in Lochgoilhead by Fife Council in 1969 and it ran successfully until 2011, when it was forced to close due to it being "too expensive" to run.

However, retired businessman George Bruce took on the centre as a charity and social enterprise in October later that year, before stepping down in 2016.

In the past eight years, it has gone from strength to strength and now offers outdoor experiences to Fife schools and also the National Citizen Service, National Deaf Children’s Society and a variety of youth groups.

Primary 7 pupils from Commercial and Pittencrieff will take part in the campaign launch along with Ardroy alumni and Fife Provost Jim Leishman.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Glasshouse within the park at 11am on Thursday, March 28.

They will be able to make contributions to the fundraising as well as share their own stories of Ardroy, and how their experience there impacted and influenced their lives.