The erection of a hand-carved sign last week signalled the completion of the Springfield to Stratheden path, a community project built with the help of funding from Scottish Natural Heritage, Fife Environment Trust and the rural development agency Leader in Fife.

The sign was made during green woodworking workshops at which volunteers also built green oak benches, already installed along the route.

In addition, a large turtle sculpture has been positioned at the Stratheden end of the path, created by a group of Springfield girls working with Cupar artist Rhona McGill, who specialises in outdoor and environmental art, and carved by chainsaw artist Adrienne McStay from Newport.

The £40,000 path project was spearheaded by Springfield Community Trust, a not-for-profit company dedicated to work for community development and benefit.

A number of local bodies contributed to the venture, including Springfield Primary School and Stratheden Hospital's horticultural therapy department and the employment training service run by Fife Arts & Crafts.

The path is set to become part of Fife's Core Path network, and could also be included in a Safer Routes to School travel plan.