Knocknagael group plans walk and cycle event to bolster interest in takeover of Scottish Government-owned field in Inverness
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A social cycle and walk event is being planned in Inverness to raise awareness of a grassroots project that aims to create a community green space in a growing part of the city.
The Knocknagael Green Hub, which aims to establish a growing area and community space in the Holm Mills area, is planning the event in the hope of getting more people involved.
It will bring together existing members of Knocknagael Ltd, a community not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, and encourage potential new members to come and discover what the hub is all about.
Ronald MacVicar, a director of Knocknagael Ltd and charity trustee, said: "This is really about raising awareness in the community. It's for anyone that is interested. There are around six primary schools in the area and we want to show how easily accessible it is by active travel.
"So it's really trying to get as many people interested as possible. The ethic of the whole thing is that it's a community space and it's about community growing."
The group plans to take over the Smiddy Field at the Knocknagael farm on Essich Road, which is owned by the Scottish Government.
An Asset Transfer Request has been submitted and acknowledged by the government, which outlines the community plans to create allotments, an orchard and community growing space, along with paths and other green space for local people to enjoy.
It is hoped the cycle and walk event will demonstrate to the local community just how accessible the site is via active travel and boost support and awareness for the proposed community asset transfer request.
Mr MacVicar, a retired GP, added: "For it to be transferred that would involved gathering some degree of resource to get the field into shape as the plans that we have. It really is a grassroots project, so the more people interested and the more people involved the better."
The cycle and walk event, which will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 1pm to 3pm will start at the green outside Lochardil Primary School and follow mostly green spaces, quiet roads and cycle paths through the Lochardil, Culduthel and Holm area to reach the Smiddy Field.
The route is around five kilometres and there will be group leaders for both the cycle and walk to ensure the safety of participants.
There will be refreshments and child friendly activities organised by the Inverness Incredible Edibles group, as well as a chance to speak to members and find out more about the project.
Maria de la Torre, chair of Knocknagael Ltd and a trustee of the charity, said: "The proposed transfer of the Smiddy Field at Knocknagael to the local community as a green hub with a focus on community growing is something that we have been working on for some time.
"There is very strong local support for the proposal and the social cycle and walk on March 19 will provide us with a chance, we hope, to grow support for this exciting grassroots community initiative."
