An appeal to help fund the replacement of a popular Kinross-shire bird hide destroyed by fire has raised almost £30,000.
NatureScot’s Mill Hide on the shores of Loch Leven National Nature Reserve (NNR) was completely wrecked by a blaze on February 18.
The organisation began a campaign in March to raise funds to re-build the hide through MyParkScotland, Scotland’s only crowdfunding site specifically for nature reserves, parks and greenspaces, with a goal of £35,000.
Among the groups to help out was the local Beaver group, which raised £500 from its fundraising walk.
The hide, built in 2011 and situated on the edge of Kinross behind the Todd and Duncan factory, won awards for its architectural design and was a much-loved place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy some of the best views of the loch and the large number of birds congregating on the water.
NatureScot’s reserve manager Neil Mitchell said: “We’re hugely thankful to everyone who contributed to the appeal. Many people enjoyed the hide’s wonderful vantage point for the ducks, geese and swans that feed and roost in Factory Bay – as well as the occasional glimpse of a kingfisher.
“The response from the community and the general public has been amazing. Given this bird watching site’s popularity and fantastic loch side location near Kinross, we are determined to replace the hide as soon as possible.
“We’d like to thank local businesses, particularly Loch Leven Brewery for its special edition Phoenix Beer, developed to raise funds for the hide, as well as recognise the collective efforts of the community through sponsored events and raffles, with very generous donations from benefactors.”
Kinross Community Council chair Lynne McKay said the community had been “shocked and saddened” by the destruction of the hide. She added: “Reserve manager Neil Mitchell has told us that support from the local community and friends and family from far and wide has been both overwhelming and heart-warming.”
The charred, skeletal remains of the hide were removed in early March, and the site fenced off for public safety. The foundations survived the fire and will support the replacement structure.
Loch Leven is Scotland’s most visited National Nature Reservee, with more than 300,000 people a year visiting the site and using the Loch Leven Heritage Trail.
The original hide cost about £35,000 and it’s anticipated the replacement will be a similar cost.
NatureScot has committed to make up any shortfall in the costs of rebuilding the hide this year.
