A charity from the Isle of Skye is aiming to reduce their carbon footprint by teaching residents how to grow their own fruit and veg.
Broadford and Strath Community Company are aiming to build a Growers Hub and a Men’s Shed within the community to encourage people from all walks of life to grow their own produce. The initiative comes after the group received a cash boost of £142,060 from the Big Lottery Fund.
Over the last three years, the company have been working with community groups and individuals from across the district at their current allotment site.
Nicholas Kelly, Greener Broadford Project Manager said it was important that people understand where their food comes from.
He said: “It’s good that they know where their food comes from, we have had a few cases where they haven’t realised that’s where strawberries come from, or potatoes. It’s not just a thing in a bag, washed and cleaned; it comes from the earth and it needs this and that done to it. Also putting in a seeded potato and having 20 potatoes from that or sewing lettuce leaves.
“To see people get to see how to grow their own vegetables and get to taste vegetables that are home grown.”
The man’s shed is an initiative which the company hopes will be up and running by April to encourage residents of the older generation to be more active.
Mr Kelly added: “We want to use this to get the older generation – particularly men – and try to encourage them to get out. What we want to do is a men’s shed; there is one I believe in Australia, where it’s a group of men who get together to build benches. It’s not just for men, it will be open to all.”