Dozens back proposals to protect green space on edge of Inverness
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Around 80 people came together on a cycle and walk from Lochardil to the Smiddy Field at Knocknagael.
Families and others gathered to find out more about plans for a community growing space at the site.
The charity behind the proposals has submitted an asset transfer request to the Scottish Government, which owns the bull stud farm at Knocknagael, and hopes to transform the area into allotments, other food growing areas and a recreational area with paths.
A 5k walk and cycle led to the field, where people were treated to home baking, face painting and seed planting, as well as being given more information about the project.
Maria de la Torre, chairwoman of the group, said: “Knocknagael is a small charity we’ve set up to acquire the field with the purpose of trying to create allotments, food growing and a recreational area.
“Any public support and the fact that people want this to happen is really helping us.
“We’ve put in an asset transfer request and are also trying to influence the local development plan to make sure that we retain this land for the community.”
An answer to the request is expected in June.
The idea behind the fun day on Saturday was to show how easy it is for people to access the site on foot or by bike. “We need places that are accessible, that people can walk and cycle to and where we can actually use them for things like food growing, walking and enjoying our spaces,” Ms de la Torre added.
Highlands and Islands Green MSP Ariane Burgess was among those who visited the Smiddy Field for the event.
She said: “It’s a great site and it feels like it would transform the communities around it. It has a massive amount of potential at a time when we really need to reconnect people to where food comes from.”
