Kincardine residents have a double date with destiny on Thursday June 8.

Like the rest of the country they will head for the polling station to cast their votes in the General Election.

But many of them will be back at Kincardine Community Centre to play their part in deciding their village’s future.

Go Forth Kincardine has organised events, discussions and workshops on how the place they live can be improved and cushioned from the economic blow of the closure of Longannet Power Station.

Lesley Gavin, who lives in Kincardine, said: “We didn’t plan it to happen this way, but is really good that we are focusing on two big decisions at the same time.

“It means we can cast our votes in the General Election and have our say in shaping our future locally, all at the same time.”

Fellow resident Janice McLaughlin said: “A lot of money has been spent in improving Kincardine, but its all been a bit piece-meal and I feel we will have more impact if we come up with a strategic plan.”

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the charity dedicated to improving former mining communities, and Fife Council have each contributed £10,000 and £20,000 is coming from the Scottish Government to meet the costs of Go Forth Kincardine.

The trust appointed architect Oliver Chapman and a team of experts to lead the discussions and conduct walking tours of the village to help locals see their own area through fresh eyes.

He said: “We are getting a lot of buy-in from community groups, local organisations and councils, as well as all age groups in Kincardine, from schoolchildren to pensioners.

“We are confident that the fact this is all coinciding with the General Election will focus everyone’s mind on coming up with great ideas."

Nicky Wilson, Scottish trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “Oliver and his team will help local people choose their favourite projects and express them as action plans, which will make it easier to access funding to turn their dreams into realities.”

Full details of the Go Forth Kincardine programme, on June 7, 8, 9 and 11 are available on the Go Forth Kincardine Facebook page, or call Gary Porter of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust on 01259 272 127.