THE Duke of Roxburghe has opened about 60 allotments in the Scottish Borders, available to people looking to grow their own food.
He has leased two acres of land on part of Floors Home Farm, near Kelso for the next 10 years. It is part of an initiative by Roxburghe Estates and the Kelso Allotment Society to generate more interest in grow-your-own.
Local children planted a blueberry bush to mark the official opening by the duke.
He said: "We are delighted to be able to assist the community in the provision of allotments for Kelso.
"There is clearly a real appetite for allotment space in communities and we are pleased the Borders is at the forefront of the resurgence of interest in gardening.
"We were approached by the provost three years ago and a power of work has gone into the project since." Funding was also provided through the Roxburgh Communities Grant Scheme and a local charity, Charity Begins at Home. A previous shortage of allotment space in Kelso made the unveiling even more special.
One local who secured a plot, Jimmy Fleming, said: "I've been waiting for an allotment for as long as I can remember. Kelso was crying out for this."
The news was welcomed by Scottish Land & Estates. Director of policy and parliamentary affairs, Sarah-Jane Laing, said: "It is encouraging to see Roxburghe Estates open up space for communities."
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