History of Silverburn

Silverburn is the former estate of The Russell family who were owners of the Tullis Russell paper making business. The land was originally part of the Barony of Durie and was leased to Mr David Russell by Charles Maitland Christie of Durie in 1854.  A dower house known as Corriemar was also built and a flax mill was established on the site. 

David Russell died in 1906. His son, (also named David) and who later became Sir David Russell was born at Silverburn in 1872 and in 1912 married and went to live in Aithernie House. He returned to Silverburn in 1929. Sir David had a great interest in trees and many were planted including some rare and unusual species which continue to thrive today.

In 1973, Sir David Russell’s son, Dr/Major Russell (Head of Tullis Russell Papermakers) gifted the houses and grounds to Leven Town Council, but also stipulated through the National Trust for Scotland that the “subjects should remain forever as a quiet area used for the benefit of the public in general and the people of Leven in particular for nature trails, quiet parkland and organised camping”. In the mid to late 1980s, the former Kirkcaldy District Council undertook a Job Creation Programme to reinstate Silverburn House for use as a Residential Centre for groups to use such as scouts and guides; school parties, caravan rallies etc. A stand alone wing to the rear of the House was used by crafters to make and show their wares throughout the Summer and Christmas/New Year periods.

Between 1990 and 1999, an average of 20,000 + people per year visited Silverburn. Its main attraction was the former “Mini-Farm” which had on show a wide range of domestic and exotic animals, birds, reptiles and insects.  However, following a Council policy decision in 2002, to cease operating Animal Centres across Fife there have been very few visitors to Silverburn, other than local people. Financial constraints have also led to year-on-year reductions in revenue expenditure with no meaningful capital investment in the Park.

Over the years, various ideas have been proposed for Silverburn including the setting up of a Scottish Music/Arts and Craft Centre and redevelopment as a crematorium.  None of these have come to fruition.

In 2013 Fife Council chose Fife Employment Access Trust (FEAT) as preferred partner to take over the management and regeneration of the park under a lease. FEAT is a charity based in Glenrothes that helps clients with mental health issues get back into work by delivering training and support. FEAT Trading CIC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the charity and has assumed the role of the Management Company for Silverburn Park. 

In 2019 FEAT CIC formally signed the lease to take over full responsibility for the management and maintenence of silverburn park.

By September 2020 FEAT had overcome many hurdles to complete phase 1 of their redevelopment plan by opening The Cottage Window Cafe and the Silverburn Park Campsite. The cafe and campsite have both received a wealth of 5 star reveiws throughout 2021 and have picked up several awards along the way turning Silverburn Park back into a go to tourism destination for the local area.

The Friends of Silverburn Park and volunteers also cleaned up the pond area, built a wildlife hide, dipping platform and revigorated biodiversity to this part of the park.

In 2022 FEAT secured £3.47 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to reach their funding target and proceed with the regenration of the Silverburn Flax Mill, which you can read more about and follow the progress of throughout this site.