Green-fingered allotmenteers in the north of Glasgow will soon have a new central space to come together, thanks to improvements planned at Hamiltonhill Allotments.
Since the 1920s, Hamiltonhill Allotments has been a welcoming space where local people can grow their own food and connect with their neighbours through shared gardening.
These days the Hamiltonhill Allotment Association operates as a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation. It aims to promote environmentally responsible growing practices, provide access to fresh produce, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and help people find social connections and a sense of belonging.
The allotments are made up of over 40 plots and 10 raised beds, providing growing space for over 60 members and their families, a local Afghan community group and an autism group.
Members also benefit from a range of shared facilities on site, including a kitchen, polytunnel, orchard, wildlife garden and pond. Everything is set up to support learning, biodiversity, volunteering and seasonal activities which take place throughout the year.
After speaking with their members, Hamiltonhill Allotment Association is now planning to improve the communal shelter and tool storage at the site.
The project will provide a much-needed functional focal point where the allotment community can meet, hold seasonal gatherings and shelter from the weather throughout the year. Repairs will also be made to the facility used to house gardening equipment, and a notice board will be installed to help members to stay informed and support greater participation in communal activities.
The has all been made possible thanks to a £1,088 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.
Kyle Taggart, Secretary of the Hamiltonhill Allotment Association Committee, said:
“This support from Allied Vehicles will have a huge impact on our allotment community. It will allow us to deliver a new, much-needed, outdoor space where we can get together and hold allotment events throughout the year."
"It will also help us make repairs to a vital storage container where we keep our gardening equipment, so that it will last for years to come.”
David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles, said:
“Hamiltonhill Allotment Association provides a fantastic space for local people to come together, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits of gardening."
"We are delighted that this funding will help create a new central area for members while also improving facilities on site. The allotments have served local people for over 100 years, and it our hope that these improvements allow it do so for many, many more.”
The improvements will strengthen the allotment and its facilities and will help community members come together to continue growing and connecting with nature, and each other, for a long time to come no matter what Glasgow's weather throws at them.
