Linton Lane: This is what the centre means to us

Noeline Raitt, wife of James, former centre manager

Jim moved from Rose Street to the new building in 1966 and began to develop the centre. It wasn’t long before the first problem hit. Bad weather when the roof blew off, but they overcame that.

Over the years there would be many more, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed.

I was a volunteer and part-time leader, before going on to be a full-time community worker. We had great times at the club, especially with the teenagers, who sometimes tried our patience. There were plenty of activities with competitions, camping and a disco on Fridays.

When I lost Jim I was very touched to see a group of old members arrive at his funeral in Kirriemuir. Many had said if it had not been for Jim they would have gone down the wrong road in life.

Jim used to say when something didn’t go right to ‘keep smiling and fight for what you know is right and you will get there’.

Joyce Leggate, Kirkcaldy Foodbank

It is not an exaggeration to say we could not survive without Linton Lane.

It is the only venue we have in Kirkcaldy that is open five days a week, charges us no rent and helps us in so many ways.

Mandy and the team are always so welcoming. Their support during the current crisis has been invaluable - they give so much more than they have to in order to keep us going. It is imperative that the centre remains open to continue to help all those in need.

Johnny Gavin, Centre user

The centre has had a profoundly positive impact on my life, from the basics of providing a foodbank for the times when members of the community find themselves in real need, to the Grassmarket Drama Group which gave me an outlet to express and develop my creativity.

Mandy has tirelessly helped to make it a great place in the community. It has a great range of groups and services. Without the centre the community would be much poorer.

Ross Reilly, SAMH

The team members at the centre worked with us from day one to ensure we felt welcome, valued and part of the Linton Lane community.

For me, at the heart of Linton Lane is a genuine kindness that is present in all that the centre achieves - and it achieves a lot, quietly getting on with providing support that, if it was not present, would mean crisis situations for a lot of people.

One little thing that made such a massive difference was when we talked about getting as far as the front door for mental health support and not making it through. We suggested a doorbell just for us. The very next day it was installed by a volunteer.

That’s what you get with Linton Lane - a million little acts of kindness that make a tapestry of love, understanding, respect and connectedness with the community.

Councillor Judy Hamilton

So many people and groups pass through Linton Lane’s doors on a weekly basis, for so many activities, it’s not unusual to go in and see two year-olds interacting with pensioners, at their various groups. It’s a place where the whole community is welcome.

It is an integral part of the community.