Scotland: Online hub to inspire Scots to make use of derelict land with urban agriculture
Land is an explosive issue in Scotland and access to it has become even more of an issue during the coronavirus pandemic.
By Nan Spowart
The National
June 12, 2021
Excerpt:
Once they have been allocated a bed, they then attend an induction given by an expert gardener who gives advice on what to grow. Spades and trowels can be borrowed from the tool library set up in a hub on Victoria Road where residents can also speak to energy advisers on how to cut their energy use and lower their bills.
“We have not bought any land or made a huge investment but we are giving people the chance to experience growing,” said Lucy Gillie of South Seeds. “We have cold frames where we can start off seedlings so you don’t need space at home. People can see what others are doing and there is a Whats App support group too. It brings everyone together so people get to extend their networks and make new friends.”
Other examples on the MyLand.scot hub, which has been set up by the Scottish Land Commission, include After the Pandemic which is turning 3000 square metres of derelict land into a cultural park during the upcoming COP26 conference. The land, located directly under the M8 in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre, will be used as an outdoor exhibition space featuring dozens of organisations and will play host to live performances and interactive sessions on how land is – and could be – used.
