Falkirk Council has said the local area is set to benefit from a £150,000 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It is understood the grant will go towards environmental projects along the Inner Forth area.

The projects, five of which are based in the Bo'ness area, will help to enhance the local landscape and environment as well as provide a better experience for visitors to the area.

They will be run under a partnership titled the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (IFLI).

Other projects set to benefit from the award include a woodland project in Bothkennar and work on the Antonine Wall in Polmont Woods.

The five projects in Bo'ness include:


• Kinneil Estate and foreshore path – A circular walk will be created between the two locations and link the John Muir Way and Antonine Wall, both significant tourist attractions.

• Kinneil lagoons – A 32-hectare wetland site will be reclaimed to create a habitat for wintering birds to take refuge in and create an excellent location for bird-watching.

• Kinneil estate – A 100m dry stone wall will be constructed to replace an unsightly fence. It will be delivered through a youth training project apprenticeship.

• Kinneil Foreshore woodland and meadow – This will involve a four-year programme to improve the area for wildlife and create the largest wildflower meadow in the Falkirk Council area.

• Kinneil Church – Volunteers at the church will work to 'record' important historical information to preserve for the future.

Councillor Adrian Mahoney, Falkirk Council's spokesperson on Culture, Leisure and Tourism, welcomed the news. He said: "It's great to hear of the project funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"This will support dozens of initiatives across Forth Valley to enhance local environments, increase community participation and training, and improve our understanding of the area we live in."

Work is expected to start on the projects later in 2014.

(JP)