WIREDGOV

Plans to simplify and overhaul Scotland’s allotment rules were announced yesterday.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has launched a consultation to consider the shape of future allotment legislation.

Among the questions being asked are:

• Should councils be required to provide people in their area within a specified timeframe
• Should councils have a duty to provide a specific number of allotments in their area per head of population

Mr Lochhead said:

“Growing your own food is continuing to grow in popularity in Scotland and this goes hand in hand with an increasing desire to know where our food comes from.

“Allotments provide a range of benefits including better health, an opportunity to learn new skills, and an understanding of where food comes from – not forgetting the chance to eat the fruits of your labour.

“We’re committed to helping people to grow their own food and this consultation will consider what changes should be made to the existing legislation to make it simpler and fit for today’s community needs.

“Many communities have expressed a desire to get back to nature and more involved with growing their own food and that’s exactly what we’re working to make possible.”    

Related information

Allotment consultation

Further information on Grow Your Own