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History

The Company

The group was formed in late 1987 as a steering committee to implement proposals contained within the C.E.I. report commissioned by Dunfermline District Council, Fife Regional Council and the local community.

BRAGs remit was to develop: learning and training; community economic initiativesand small business support.

Membership was opened to Benarty residents. Over the next year B.R.A.G. developed from the steering group stage into a properly constituted unincorporated organisation with charitable status. In August 1988, B.R.A.G. was incorporated as a Company Limited by guarantee, and structured as a holding company embracing the community business model, with charitable status.

The Location

Benarty is the collective name given to the villages of Ballingry, Crosshill, Glencraig and Lochore which are situated in the north of Lochgelly within the Fife Council area. The area has a population approaching 10,000. In terms of distance the area is approximately 12 miles from the administrative centre of Dunfermline and 6 miles from the regional centre of Glenrothes. A frequent train service on the Fife loop goes through Lochgelly just 2 miles from Crosshill and a regular bus service operates at peak times. The area and its communities developed during the post war years as a direct result of expansion associated with the coal mining industry. In past years, the closure of local pits and general demise of the Scottish coalfields has resulted in the high levels of unemployment and restricted employment opportunities.

However the area has experienced significant investment by the former Fife Regional Council and Dunfermline District Council. Environmental improvements include the highly successful reclamation of Lochore Meadows and its transformation into a Country Park attracting over 400,000 visitors each year.
The Benarty villages are also only a five minute drive from the world famous Loch Leven where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned.

There is also Vane Farm, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds observation house and nature reserve overlooking the loch and offering spectacular views to the many visitors who frequent the area.