A Moray gardening group took a break from its work to stop and smell the roses yesterday – after making huge strides in transforming acres of wasteland into a colourful attraction.
Green-fingered volunteers working on the Burghead Community Garden project staged a party to mark its recent progress, which includes the installation of a £10,000 strip of paving stones.
The Burghead Amenities Association’s treasurer, Hilary Gloyer, has been leading the initiative at the site of the village’s former railway station.
She marvelled at the strides the scheme had made in brightening-up the entrance to the village since it was launched two years ago – but said there was much still to be done.
Mrs Gloyer added: “Our next main project is our polytunnel, but we have so many other ideas.
“We have five acres here, and we want to create mini-allotments and a playpark for children with an in-ground trampoline.
“That will cost tens of thousands of pounds, and we will be applying for donations to cover costs.
“This will keep us going for many, many years.”
The group funded the paving work after receiving a grant from supermarket giant Tesco.
Archie MacQueen is one of its 10 core members, and has aims to create a Japanese garden in one corner of the site where the ground is too rich for wildflowers to be planted.
He said: “I’m a keen gardener, but my own garden isn’t big enough to do much with.
“This is great for me, and it’s also a chance to do something for the community.
“This was a rubbish dump before, but now the bright colours catch everybody’s attention.”