Loch Ness group buys stormproof poly tunnels for veg growing project

A LOCH Ness-side community has sown the first seeds towards starting a veg growing project.

And to make sure their plants are best protected from the ravages of Highland weather, they have bought special poly tunnels designed and made in Shetland tested to withstand winds up to 120mph.

Sarah Balfour of Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust ( SFCT) said that when Highland Council recently released details of a potential fund to aid communities to grow local produce, they applied and were granted matched funding for the “brilliantly ethical and robust Polycrubs”.

The aim is to site the Polycrubs at Inverfarigaig, Whitebridge and Foyers initially.

She said: “We want to start a community growing project, and we need help from the community to get this started ready for spring.

“Sustainability and food security is at the heart of this.

“We have secured funding from the Highland Council and with funds matched by the trust we can provide a focus for community effort to increase the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce. As a remote community we know how hard it is to get to the major shopping areas and for those who have difficulty travelling regularly to shops, by establishing a year round resource to grow our own the community growing project will promote healthy, active lifestyles and reach beyond the theme of food security.

“This all helps our area in cutting carbon emissions, reducing food waste and food miles and we can grow it ourselves!”

To help the project email sarah@sfctrust.org.uk

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