Creating spaces to connect through community growing
Quick Facts
Time frame: 2022 – Present
Funding: The Highland Council Regeneration Fund £64,139, Scottish Land Fund £21,810, The Pebble Trust £9,925, Organic Seaharvest £2,030, Mears Foundation £2,000 + significant local fundraising and donations.
Project Background
The idea to develop an allotment in Portree was first explored in 2013 when a vacant site in the Home Farm area, owned by the Skye and Lochalsh Housing Association, was identified as having the potential for community growing. Permission was given from the local authority to develop the site as an allotment and a sub-committee worked hard on developing plans and raising funds to realise the idea. Unfortunately legal complexities stalled the land transfer to the community and the project stalled indefinitely.
Thankfully however a new committee reformed in 2022 – almost a decade later – and with great persistence were able to overcome the legal issues and secure the transfer of the land to the Portree and Braes Community Trust. Since then, the allotment facility has gone from strength to strength. Car parking and paths have been created, polytunnels have been built, a shed, summer house and compost toilet have been installed and workshops and events like seed swaps are now organised throughout the year to encourage the wider community to get involved. A dedicated volunteer committee work together maintain and improve the site for community benefit.
Allotments Information
- Portree Community Allotments consists of 28 plots with some shared storage and composting and a communal polytunnel for growing.
- The second, smaller polytunnel and the summerhouse are available to the community for holding workshops, events and activities.
- A compost toilet is available to users of the allotments.
- There are three car parking spaces available at the site next to the gated entrance.
- Vehicle access is via Home Farm road. Once you reach the dead-end continue down a rough track for approx. 50 yards to the parking area.
- The facility is gated and key codes are required for entry. Please get in touch if you would like to have a look around and the committee will arrange access.
Contact Us
If you are an individual or group and interested in an allotment (either full size, half size or even a quarter size), then please contact us get your name on the list – first come, first served.
If you are interested in joining the allotments committee or would like to collaborate on a community project we would love to hear from you.
Contact email: allotments@portreeandbraes.org
