Everyone knows that doing enough exercise is vital for physical and mental health. Despite this, most of us are not as active as we should be. Repurposing empty and unloved spaces can help ensure everyone in Scotland lives close to somewhere they can safely exercise and relax outdoors. The land for the Wishaw Pump Track…
A ‘Commonwealth Games Village’ approach to housing
A success story for affordable housing in Scotland, Glasgowâs Commonwealth Village was originally a partnership between the Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, designed as the athleteâs village for the 20th Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, 2014. Built on previously vacant, derelict land, the Commonwealth Games Village is a 38 hectare urban brownfield regeneration site,…
High Mill Development, Carluke – Restoring an Iconic Piece of Local Heritage
Having spent a great many years in a state of disrepair and disuse the High Mill development in Carluke has seen great progress of late, with a view to restoring this historical building and developing the land for community use. Following purchase of the Mill and land on behalf of the community the…
Brand New Podcast – The Lay of the Land
As part of the campaign, the Scottish Land Commission will be launching a brand-new podcast, The Lay of the Land, hosted by filmmaker and broadcaster Calum Maclean. Calum Maclean is best known for his work on BBCâs âThe Socialâ and BBC Alba series âDhan Uisgeâ, which shared some of Scotlandâs hidden outdoor swimming spots. This…
An Interview with Project Manager Concrete Garden – Moira Ann McCaig
Concrete Garden is an urban community food growing, play and wellbeing project providing growing space, activities, events and volunteering opportunities for the people of Possilpark and the wider North Glasgow area. How did the idea of using land for the community first come about? Our flagship garden at St Matthewâs Centre in Possilpark came about…
Land for Community Togetherness – Woodlands Community Garden
âWoodlands Community is a genuinely unifying and life-enhancing community resource – more than that – they are a part of our community. I know that they have helped many people struggling with isolation and mental health, they are also a wonderful resource to the general community. Generous, cheerful & always happy to help. I canât…
Concrete Garden – Interim Land use for Food Growing
Found in North Glasgowâs Possilpark area, Concrete Garden is brought derelict and vacant land into interim use for food growing. The space is an urban food growing, play and wellbeing oasis in the city providing growing and event space, as well as volunteering opportunities for the people of the Possilpark area. It represents a shining…
Shettleston Growing Project – From Derelict Land to the Heart of the Community
Community growing isnât all about food. Allotments and community gardens are also great ways of bringing people together. They can provide opportunities to meet friends and help people feel more connected to their communities, both important for tackling loneliness and improving mental health. Originally owned by a local housing association, this area of land was…
Acquiring Land in Linwood for a Thriving Community
The Linwood Community Development Trust was formed by a local group of volunteers who shared a vision of investing time in the community to better serve its residents. The residentsâ main concerns were the reduction of social inequality, improving health and wellbeing, and building âsocial capitalâ within Linwood; this meaning there was an interest in…
Kinning Park Complex – From Occupation to Ownership
With the local community at its heart, the Kinning Park Complex is an independent multi-use space in the southside of Glasgow. A self proclaimed âplatform for all kinds of great activity,â the complex is home to an array of local organisations, including a dance troupe, sports groups, artists and musicians. Based (unsurprisingly) in Kinning Park,…
