NHS Fife has entered into an agreement with Lucky Ewe, which will enable the charity to expand the range of life-changing experiences it offers for people with additional support needs.
Lucky Ewe is a northeast Fife-based charity dedicated to empowering people with additional support needs through hands-on experiences in farming, animal care, and food production. The charity, which previously operated from a small holding near the village of New Gilston, south of Cupar, helps equip participants with valuable pre-vocational skills and improved mental health in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Having outgrown their existing land, Lucky Ewe sought to take on a larger land holding at Stratheden. After a Community Asset Transfer application, Lucky Ewe have entered into a 25-year lease for the land with NHS Fife. This will see the creation of ‘Lucky Ewe Farm’, enabling the charity to expand their flock of sheep and explore innovative agricultural projects, including growing fruits, vegetables, and honey production.
NHS Fife’s Director of Property and Asset Management, Neil McCormick, welcomed the development, saying: "I’m really pleased that we have now formally agreed the lease of our land to Lucky Ewe, which I’m sure will provide significant benefits for those supported by the charity.
“It has taken considerable time to get to this stage due to the complex legal process, and the need to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place so close to a busy working hospital.
“NHS Fife prides itself on its role as an anchor institution in the Kingdom. We recognise also the importance that initiatives like those provided by Lucky Ewe can have for people of all backgrounds, both in terms of developing vocational skills helping improve and sustain mental and physical wellbeing. We look forward to working with the charity in the months and years to come.”
With a new base for its operations near Stratheden Hospital, the charity intends to provide an even greater impact, create new opportunities to transform lives and build a thriving community asset.
Dr Joan Brown of Lucky Ewe shared her excitement about the development:
“Securing this land is a game-changer for us. It allows us to grow our vision, expand our flock, and diversify into exciting new projects like food crop cultivation and climate action bio-diversification. Most importantly, it means we can offer even more people in Fife the chance to build skills, confidence, and hope for the future.”
Dr Brown also highlighted the wider benefits of the expansion, adding: “In the wake of the pandemic, communities need hope and opportunities more than ever. This new base will allow us to create jobs, provide volunteering opportunities, and offer hands-on training that makes a tangible difference to people’s lives.”
With work already underway to prepare the land and facilities, Lucky Ewe is calling on the community to get involved. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about their inspiring work, visit: www.luckyewe.org.uk to find out how you can be part of their journey.
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Images:
Image 1 - [DOWNLOAD]
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Lucky Ewe Logo - [DOWNLOAD]
Pictures were supplied by Lucky Ewe.
