Lewis Macdonald praised the former coal community's land purchase

The 15-hectare site at Crossgates, known as the Taft, near Dunfermline, is to be converted into a community facility.

Local people raised about �180,000 to make the purchase.

Deputy Rural Development Minister Lewis Macdonald said communities were being empowered to shape their futures.

Local people plan to turn it into a community woodland, developing new paths, encouraging wildlife, and providing educational and leisure facilities.

'Greater power'

The Land Reform Act, passed in 2003, guarantees a statutory right of responsible access to land and inland waters for recreation, crossing and for educational and commercial purposes.

Mr Macdonald said: "This coalfield community is the first to benefit from the new legislation.

"Giving communities control over the way their land is managed gives them greater power to shape their own futures and provides real rights and opportunities to help them realise their aspirations.

"With the challenge of community land ownership ahead, I wish the community of Crossgates every success with their new venture."

The legislation also gives certain rural communities first refusal when land is put up for sale and even stronger rights to crofters to compulsorily purchase their land from the owner.