Fairway Fife members and volunteer peer mentors have transformed an area of trees and bushes outside Dunfermline Business Centre into a welcoming and accessible outdoor space.
Based at the centre, Fairway Fife is a peer mentoring charity supporting people aged 16 and over with learning disabilities and autism. Its activities help members build confidence, develop skills and form friendships.
Every member helped shape the project from the outset, sharing ideas and contributing to the design. They also took part in the practical work, including removing plants and digging out bush roots.
The finished area includes a bench, bird tables and accessible planters. The central planter was specifically designed for wheelchair users. The team now plans to grow plants from seed, with produce used in the charity’s kitchen and shared with neighbouring businesses.
Neil Freir, Charity Manager at Fairway Fife, said:
“Every member has played a part, from shaping the design to carrying out the practical work. It has been fantastic to see them develop new skills and take pride in creating something for others. We are especially pleased that the central planter is accessible for wheelchair users, and we look forward to using what we grow in our kitchen and sharing it with neighbouring businesses.”
The transformation has also enhanced Dunfermline Business Centre. It has improved the exterior, brought an underused area into productive use and created an attractive place where tenants and visitors can sit, take a break and enjoy the outdoors.
Ewan Morrison from Fife Council’s Supported Employment Team provided support and guidance throughout the project. He said:
“It has been a real pleasure to work with the Fairway Fife team and help bring their ideas to life. Their enthusiasm and commitment have been clear throughout, with everyone keen to contribute. They should be incredibly proud of creating a welcoming and accessible space that will benefit both Fairway Fife and the wider business centre community.”
Initial funding from Fife Communities Climate Action Network helped get the project underway. Dunfermline Business Centre Management backed Fairway Fife’s vision and enabled the work to go ahead, with further support from Engineering Agencies Dunfermline, Growforth Ltd Garden Centre and MKM Kirkcaldy.
Lyndsay and Daniel from Fife Council’s Economic Development team visited the completed space to meet the Fairway Fife team and see the results. The project shows how community partnership can create valuable opportunities for people while making business premises more attractive, inclusive and enjoyable.
