Published Date: Feb 24th, 2026
The Green Skills Academy has officially launched at the River Park at Levenmouth, marking a major milestone in efforts to ensure the long-term care of the 4km long park along the River Leven while delivering meaningful training and employability opportunities for local people.
The Academy can now begin recruiting participants following the award of the training and maintenance contract to Rural Skills Scotland, who will lead the delivery of the programme in partnership with Fife Council.
Led by Fife Council, the Green Skills Academy has been developed to ensure that recent and ongoing investment in the River Park’s infrastructure and green spaces is sustained into the future. While the river landscape was once a vibrant hub of industry and recreation, the decline of local industry led to reduced maintenance and deterioration of the area. The Academy responds to this challenge by combining essential park maintenance with skills development and community benefit.
The programme aims to train 84 participants from the local area in the practical skills required to maintain the River Park’s infrastructure and greenspaces. Participants will have the opportunity to gain accredited qualifications, including construction skills (CSCS), working at height, health and safety, first aid, and other relevant certifications. Training will be tailored to individual needs, with additional support available for those experiencing health conditions.
Beyond practical skills, the Academy will also provide targeted employability support, helping participants progress into a positive destination such as employment, further education, or continued specialist training.
Dave Paterson, Green Skills Academy Lead and Fife Council Community Manager, said: “We are pleased that we’ll be working with Rural Skills Scotland to maintain the River Park, but while maintenance is essential, it is perhaps more important that we provide tangible benefits for local people.
“This will be done by providing a variety of opportunities through a programme of training and skills development, as well as employability support into a positive destination such as employment, further education, or a continuation of training in a specialised subject.”
Stewart Christie, Rural Skills Scotland Director, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver the Green Skills Academy in the River Park at Levenmouth. This programme is about more than maintaining an important local asset. It’s about equipping people with practical, transferable skills that can open up real opportunities for employment and further training. By working closely with Fife Council, we look forward to supporting local people to develop confidence, gain accredited qualifications, and play a direct role in caring for a park that belongs to the community.”
River Park Programme Manager Helen McCafferty is delighted to see the Green Skills Academy kick off: “The Green Skills Academy is a vital part of the long-term vision for the River Park Programme. It ensures that the significant investment being made in the park is protected and sustained, while also embedding real benefits for people and communities.
“The Academy demonstrates the shared commitment of all partners to a programme that is not short-term or just about the park, but a programme designed to serve the people of Levenmouth and the wider area for years to come. By investing in skills, training and local capacity, we are securing both the future of the River Park and the opportunities it can provide.”
The launch of the Green Skills Academy reflects a commitment not only to protecting the River Park as a valued community asset, but also to ensure that local people are at the heart of its future care and success.
Our photo shows Dave Paterson, Levenmouth Community Manager, with Stewart and Caroline from Rural Skills Scotland.
