Kirkgate Park - Kinross
Last updated | 26/03/2012
Kirkgate Park enjoys a unique and beautiful
setting on the shores of Loch Leven and is a popular
destination for Kinross citizens and tourists.
The park’s location within the
Loch Leven
National Nature Reserve (LLNNR) and its setting, adjacent
to the historic 17th Century landscape of
Kinross House, make it a
unique area of public open space.
The park, which extends to almost 7 hectares and is part of the
estate of Kinross House, was offered ‘for the benefit of the
townspeople’ in 1913. It is located on land that has been
occupied for many centuries, evidenced from the remains of an Iron
Age crannog submerged in the loch close to the jetty. Ground to the
north east of the park was the site of the original 12th century
settlement before the movement of townsfolk to a new site further
to the west was encouraged in the 17th century.
Kirkgate Park is the main area of public Green Space in Kinross and
is used for a variety of recreational activities including
children's play, walking and wildlife watching. There is extensive
car parking off the access road that runs along the northern
boundary of the park. The Watchtower marks the eastern boundary of
the park and at this point, Kirkgate Burial Ground can be accessed.
From an elevated position at the east of the burial ground there
are excellent views to the Lomond Hills, Benarty Hill, the Loch and
its islands.
A comprehensive park improvement project was completed in 2007.
This has resulted in an exciting children’s play area, new
site furniture and public toilets, and an extensive path network,
enabling people to enjoy the Park via a variety of new routes. The
shoreline path forms part of the
Loch Leven Heritage Trail - a round the Loch multi-user path
with interpretative features. New features such as the grass
amphitheatre and wildflower labyrinth set the scene for social
interaction, contemplation and relaxation. To contribute to
biodiversity, shoreline grass areas, which were formerly close
mown, are now being managed as wildflower meadows.
