So, you want an allotment?
Originally established to give working people in urban areas access to land for growing food, allotments remain an integral part of Scotland’s landscape and identity. However, while they remain the only statutory way to determine interest in growing locally, more people are now finding alternative ways to grow. Across Scotland, groups are growing collectively in underused public and private spaces—from car parks to farmland, parkland and disused bowling greens. With increasing pressures on land and time, shared growing can offer a practical and flexible alternative to a long wait. By pooling resources and infrastructure, community growing can often be more accessible and immediate. These approaches are often under-recognised and sometimes confused with allotments, yet they represent a distinct and equally valid way to grow fresh food within communities. It is becoming urgent for our food security to grow more food, allotments will continue to play an important role in a local food landscape however why languish on a waiting list when you could get growing with others while you wait?
Have a look at our new tool and consider your options.