Fundraiser launched to find millions needed to restore derelict Fife flax mill

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help bring a derelict flax mill back to life.

Silverburn flax mill received its first delivery of flax in 102 years last week, heralding the beginning of new era with a series of events kicking off a multi-million pound fundraising campaign to bring the mill back to life as a community hub for well-being and employment.

The mill which once produced flax for linen production around the world has lain derelict since the 1970s, when it was an animal park.

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The flax has been grown by heritage consultant Sian Loftus, who will use the crop to carry out community led workshops in the run up to a ‘Welcome Back to the Light’ lantern event in December.

It is hoped that the workshops will culminate in a procession of townsfolk from Leven to the mill and left as an art installation for walkers, cyclists and campers to enjoy when visiting Silverburn Park.

“The lantern event aims to welcome back the light into the park, the mill and our lives following the dark period that we have been experiencing,” said Sian.

The event spearheads a huge fundraising campaign which will help park leaseholders and award winning mental health charity, Fife Employment Access Trust (FEAT), obtain the nearly £8 million needed to complete the renovation of the flax mill into a major community-led initiative.

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The currently derelict B-listed former flax mill building will be brought back to life as an iconic centre-piece to Silverburn Park. There are plans for four arts and crafts studios, fully accessible public toilets with Changing Places facilities, meeting rooms and event space, offices for FEAT staff and partners, interpretation displays telling the history of the mill and how it fitted into the wider flax industry across Fife, and a backpackers’ hostel with 27 beds.

The arrival of the flax coincides with the re-opening of the Silverburn campsite.

“The Flax Mill Project aims to allow Fifers to explore and be proud of their shared industrial heritage of linen making, as well as giving a boost to the Levenmouth community by bringing in jobs, tourism and a hub for people to use and enjoy,” said Silverburn Park chairman Brian Robertson.

The planned opening date for the mill is Easter 2025.

To support the crowdfunder, visit www.greenspacescotland.org.uk/silverburn-flax-mill, or text FLAX05 to 70085 to donate £5.

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