"The population distribution in Scotland has an influence on the location of allotments and thus determines how we operate as Mentors. Local Government changes in the mid-1990's weakened the links between many sites and their local authority. Fairly reliable information on sites exists in the four main cities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Due to my involvement with both Glasgow Allotments Forum and the Committee of the Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society I already have contacts with some sites and a starting point for finding out more. However in the smaller districts and rural areas less accurate information is available, so part of our role is to find sites and make them aware of ARI.

"The enquiries we deal with affect many sites and are a reflection of those occurring elsewhere in Scotland: embryonic associations looking for land to start an allotment site because there are none at present; funding enquires to improve existing site infrastructure, schools looking for plots etc."

Ian Welsh

"Enquiries to Mentors vary. I have constant contact with individuals, associations and councils with a range of queries from ?Who do I contact to get an allotment?" to "We are an association of 20/30 people and are looking for land that can be used as allotments". I know of three associations looking for land at the moment. I have been struck by both by the upsurge in people's interest in getting back to growing things themselves and the enthusiasm of the established allotmenteers seeking to raise funds to improve the facilities of their sites. Local councils in Scotland are also playing a leading role many of them have voluntarily put into place an allotment strategy and a Local Agenda 21 officer whose job is to look into and assist with green space issues of which allotments are an important part.

"We have been assisting Dalmuir Plots Association (Glasgow) who contacted us for advice about funding etc. The site has so far raised over £450,000 for the regeneration of 80-100 allotments there. We are also both involved in giving advice and encouragement to the committee of a proposed new allotment site in Dunnoon.

"I am also experienced in running projects on allotments for children and people with disabilities and, as a Mentor, I have been involved in giving advice to schools on how to start up gardening groups. My involvement with Aberdeen City Council's Environmental Committee is also enabling me to influence the future for allotments in the city.

"We are always pleased to hear from new contacts."

Peter Garioch

First published: ARI Newsletter Summer 2006