MP GIVES THUMBS UP

Glenrothes and Central Fife MP Peter Grant kickstarted his summer recess by visiting Growing Auchmuty to see how the group are transforming green areas within the precinct.

The group was launched last year after the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) were successful in their bid for funding from Big Lottery Fund Scotland’s ‘Our Place’ programme

Mr Grant met with volunteers, a representative from SAMH, and Robin Paris, Senior Project Co-ordinator, as well as Cale, the black Labrador who has become a firm favourite with everyone. He visited the blossoming garden behind the community flat on Alexander Road, as well as the remarkable transformation of an area of waste ground off Bruce Road into a community garden.

Over the past year, the group has actively engaged with the local community to recruit more volunteers and has also worked closely with local schools. Its aim is to give people a safe and quiet space in their community, but also somewhere they can meet new people, gain new skills through gardening, and take home vegetables ready to cook with.

Commenting after the visit, Peter Grant MP said: “This is a great community project, and one that I’m happy to support. It not only regenerates parts of Auchmuty that had been left to go to waste, but it allows people to get involved in and take ownership of how their areas are to look and feel.

“These projects are important for people’s mental health and wellbeing as they can give someone a sense of worth and pride and can also help friendships forge. Thanks to Robin and the team for showing me around and telling me about their exciting plans to expand.”