The Leven Line, Alexandria
“Honouring the Past to Build a Better Future”
The Leven Line is a community-led project reconnecting the people and local communities of the Vale of Leven with the natural beauty and rich industrial heritage of the River Leven.
As the second-fastest flowing river in Scotland, the Leven’s power has been harnessed for centuries - driving local industry and sustaining generations of families. Today, many of the river’s historic red sandstone walls and factory banks, built from locally quarried stone, have fallen into neglect and disrepair. Trees and overgrowth are now breaking through the old masonry, threatening to erase both the structure and the story it represents.
Without care and thoughtful planning, that proud history risks being lost forever.
The Leven Line seeks to change that by beginning with a single, focused stretch of the river - creating a community heritage trail that restores its landscape, celebrates its history, and brings people together through action and storytelling. Once established, this model can be replicated along the full length of the Leven, linking Loch Lomond to the River Clyde in Dumbarton as one living, continuous heritage route. Our Vision for the Future The long-term goal is to see the Leven Line become a recognised cultural and ecological corridor — where nature, heritage, and community meet.
The Leven Line Plans include:
● Restoring riverbanks and red sandstone structures with community and council support.
● Installing heritage markers and information boards with QR codes at key locations.
● Introducing guided walks, outdoor learning programmes, and volunteer days.
● Showcasing local art, photography, and oral history collected along the route.
● Developing The Leven Line Community Hub — a central space for education, tools, and workshops.
● Partnering with local tradespeople - gardeners, builders, stone masons, and tree surgeons — to carry out restoration and landscaping work, ensuring that investment stays within the community and supports small businesses.
● Building strong partnerships with Green Space Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, local community groups, and local schools to ensure long-term stewardship.
The Leven Line is more than a clean-up — it’s a movement to rediscover the spirit of the Vale, one bridge, one story, and one act of care at a time.
To find out more details about The Leven Line, contact Kevin on 07487635192, or email rehumanbusiness@gmail.com
