WORKERS on the Fife Coastal Path have been warming up for Spring thanks to a deal with a global science firm.

Employees at Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) were kitted out with waterproof GORE-TEX jackets and walking boots delivered by W. L. Gore & Associates (UK) Limited.

The partnership was agreed after Rodger Pheely, a FCCT volunteer and Global Supply Chain Leader at Gore, spotted how the technology could aid staff members while he on a hike.

He said: "The FCCT team work outdoors all day, often in the wind and rain, and it was when I was sheltering from the elements, it struck me that Gore’s protective and waterproof clothing would help make the team more comfortable.

"Gore has a rich heritage of giving back to the local community, but there will be more to this partnership than the supply of outdoor wear.

"I’ve really enjoyed the work I’ve done for the trust and have benefitted from getting out more – it has inspired me and lived up to our Gore brand promise of Together, improving life. It was fantastic to see plenty of enthusiasm from Associates to join me in conserving the open spaces that play an important part in the health and wellbeing of local communities and visitors to Fife."

In the future the company, which has plants in Dundee and Livingston, plans to host volunteers days where associates will help the FCCT team to deliver a range of activities such as scrub clearance, wildlife surveys, tree planting and meadow surveys.

Jeremy Harris, CEO at FCCT, said: "We’re very grateful to Gore for this generous donation of waterproof jackets and boots and I’m certain that our staff will really enjoy the benefits of using them.

"I’m also delighted that Rodger has been so inspired by volunteering with us.

"We’re really looking forward to developing a lasting relationship with Gore in our mission to connect environment and people.

"Every one of Gore’s Associates who gets involved will be making a really important and valued contribution to maintaining and preserving Fife’s amazing outdoor places."