Central Scotland MSP, Graham Simpson, met members of the Viewpark Conservation Group (VCG) at the Douglas Support Estate to see their newly planted orchard.
He was joined by VCG Lead Ranger, Mark Perry, as well as staff from the Orchard Group and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to hear about the various schemes happening across the estate.
The Historic Douglas Estate, which dates back to the 17th century and occupies 170 acres, was purchased by the local community in 2020 after receiving money from the Scottish Land Fund.
A grant of £435,800 ended fears over the future of the ‘The Glen’ and represents the largest amount of land acquired to date through the Scottish Land Fund.
Mr Simpson discussed the group’s plans to rejuvenate the land, including developing the recently planted orchard.
Through the Orchard Project’s £97,300 award from the National Lottery Heritage fund, the VCG have been able to undertake a 3-year orchard planting project.
He heard how the project delivers regular planting days where schools and members of the public, both individually or in groups, can come to plant new trees in the Orchard.
The VCG also shared their long-term plan to create a community hub on the estate with a tearoom and allotments for local residents.
Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland said: “Like all local residents, I was delighted to hear that the community had managed to purchase this historic estate back in 2020 after 19 years of fundraising.
“The glen was already hugely popular with walkers and cyclists but it’s now great to see the Viewpark Conservation Group encouraging people to engage more with the land.
“As well as their newly planted orchard, the group are working hard to rejuvenate the land across the estate.
“I would encourage residents from the local area to get involved either by attending one of their planting days or volunteering to help elsewhere”.
