silverburn park
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. Silverburn
Park 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.
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