From Shettleston Housing Association News April 2011

On Tuesday March 15^th 2011, the new Shettleston Community Growing Project (SCGP) site at Eckford Street was formally opened by the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Roseanna Cunningham MSP.

Despite the cold and wet conditions, over 100 people came along to the event, including many of the project members, partner organisations and neighbours from both Tollcross and Shettleston.

SCGP is a partnership project led by residents in the Shettleston and Tollcross area and assisted by Shettleston Housing Association and Glasgow City Council's Greenspace Team. The project was made possible by a grant of over £172,000 from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund, with an £18,700 contribution from Glasgow City Council’s Development and Regeneration Service and the Shettleston Area Budget.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said: “The Shettleston Community Growing Project is a fantastic example of people working together to make a real difference to their local and national environment and I am sure it will be at the centre of community life for years to come."

“Locally the benefits are there for all to see, with people getting the opportunity to grow their own food while developing their skills and creating a more sustainable community by transforming this piece of land."

Shettleston Community Growing Project (SCGP) was set up in 2009 by local people who wished to grow food for themselves and their families. With assistance from Shettleston Housing Association and Glasgow City Council a suitable site was identified, and funding was secured from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund to turn the derelict and unloved space into an attractive and productive community allotment.

 

In March 2011, the Shettleston Community Growing Project opened its gates to its first growers. The SCGP’s site is located at Eckford Street and Ardgay Street on the Shettleston/Tollcross border and welcomes people of all ages and abilities from the local area.

The core of the project is the food growing area which consists of over 50 raised bed growing spaces. Individuals, families and groups rent a growing space and use it to grow vegetables and fruit. The size of the growing spaces makes them ideal for gardening novices, children, older people and people with disabilities. The project site also has a community garden and separate wildlife garden. In 2014 the SCGP became a company limited by guarantee and a Scottish charity.

Our group is made up entirely of volunteers and we consult with our community on the types of activities we deliver and the services we provide. We recognise the benefits of working with other organisations and have links and working partnerships with many different groups, including schools and youth groups, local authority, housing associations, support agencies.