Plans move forward for new Ellon Community Allotments

Communit based charity Ellon Community Allotments (ECA) has taken a major step forward with plans to bring new allotments to the town after it submitted a planning application to Aberdeenshire Council to develop a site at Balmacassie.

The site will provide 55 allotments together with polytunnels, communal composting, an aquatic ecology area, social area, car parking, bicycle storage, composting toilet and security fencing.

ECA secretary Sandy McDougall said: "This is a significant transformational project for Ellon and surrounding areas and membership will be open to all residents in the Ythan Community Council area.

"Allotments were traditionally established to enable families to grow their own food to supplement their diets.

"This reached a peak between the two world wars and up to the 1950’s when they entered a period of decline.

"Many of the social problems facing Scotland are a result of the physical inactivity of the population with poor diet contributing to ill health.

"Unlike other leisure activities, allotment gardening provides year-round healthy lifestyles which is active, socially inclusive and promotes mental health and wellbeing through connections with nature. "

He continued:"The Balmacassie allotment development which will include easy-access plots for people with reduced mobility will be a valuable community asset which provides opportunities for lifelong learning and that encourages social enterprise with surplus fruit and vegetables being donated in the local community as part of the project. "

ECA is a registered charity and community based non-profit organisation and in due course, residents in the Ythan Community Council area will be invited to submit an application to rent an allotment.

ECA is currently looking for interested local residents that are willing to volunteer their expertise as part of the project and they can contact Sandy via sandymcdougall@sky.com.

This includes - social media administrator, website designer and administrator, accountancy advice services and legal advice services.

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