Calls grow for allotments to be created in Aviemore
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A group of allotment fans are growing frustrated with the lack of progress being made to create plots in Aviemore.
A bid to convert part of the former village primary school at Milton Park has stalled following its launch a year ago.
The Aviemore Allotments Association now wants to demonstrate to landowner Highland Council how keen residents are to have the green space available to the community.
They are canvassing for names of those “seriously interested” in the project.
Steering group coordinator Judith Marten said: “It has been almost a year since an enthusiastic group of us came together to launch our plan for allotments in Aviemore – something that is long overdue in this community.
“Our sights have been set on making use of the derelict land beside the old primary school, an area which has lain unused now for almost 10 years.
“However, in the past year we have sadly made very little progress.
“We have been waiting for the council to arrange a survey of the land on account of the potential bog – this is a problem which can easily be overcome with raised beds – and also to finalise the details of a planning application for social housing on the site of the old school itself. Neither have been concluded despite social housing being seen as top priority.”
Ms Marten said there had been a surge of interest in growing vegetables since lockdown.
“Everyone is aware that this is a high priority for the Scottish Government and most importantly it is part of our national and global drive towards sustainability and meeting pledges made at COP26,” she said.
“Frustratingly, every spare space in Aviemore is used for housing development, but nonetheless the council does have an obligation to provide land for food growing projects too.
Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes (SNP) has given her support to the project: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both community empowerment and social growth.
“I believe that allotments are a key way to encourage the community towards a greener and more self-sustaining lifestyle.”
Aviemore Community Enterprise is also backing allotments and chairwoman Judith Bell said: “Adding allotments will help make Aviemore a better place to live.”
Voluntary Action Badenoch and Strathspey is helping in numerous ways including fundraising and helping with administration. “It is long overdue for the project to be realised,” said VABS chief officer Karen Derrick.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Council officers have been working closely with the Aviemore allotment group to try and identify land which could be used for allotments and wider community growing projects.
"This includes looking at land in private ownership and making links with other groups within the local area who are developing land.
“The Council has to balance the important community priority for allotments with calls from across the area for affordable housing to support local people and business.
"The land at the former primary school has been identified for affordable housing and this will be taken forward during 2022 once we have completed technical investigations and finalised design proposals.
"Once this has completed we will have clarity on the development area and any residual land.
“Unfortunately, apart from the land at the former primary school and the land adjacent to Dalfaber Drive which is being taken forward as a community project by the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust, Highland Council has little other land in Aviemore that could provide the size of land identified by the Aviemore Allotment Group to establish allotments.
“The council will continue to work with the group to support them to realise this important local priority.”
• For more information and to express an interest in an allotment contact aviemoreallotments@gmail.com
