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Aviemore Allotments

Proposal code: THC-2026-06-149

To secure funding for the creation of Aviemore's first community allotments, creating sustainable food-growing opportunities that will benefit local residents, families and the community.

Aviemore Allotment Association (AAA) is seeking funding to complete Phase 2 of the Aviemore Allotments Project, having already negotiated the lease with NHS Highland and secured planning permission, trustees are now looking to prepare the site for development. The project will create 20 allotment plots, a communal shed and composting area and toilet on land adjacent to Badenoch & Strathspey Community Hospital. This funding will support the final development stage, which involves completing all the groundworks and construction of the allotments.

Aviemore currently has no allotments or community growing spaces despite significant local demand. Community engagement undertaken by AAA identified more than 70 residents who would like access to an allotment or growing space. The development of community growing facilities is also identified as a priority within the Aviemore Community Action Plan 2024. The project will provide local people with opportunities to grow their own fruit and vegetables, helping improve food security, reduce food miles and encourage more sustainable lifestyles. It will also create opportunities for learning, volunteering, skills development and social interaction.

The proposal aligns strongly with local and national priorities, including:

• The Aviemore Community Action Plan priority to establish community growing spaces.
• The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, which promotes increased provision of allotments and community food-growing opportunities.
• Cairngorms National Park objectives relating to sustainable communities, biodiversity, health and wellbeing and climate action.
• The Cairngorms 2030 vision by supporting local food production, reducing carbon emissions associated with food transport and encouraging environmental stewardship.

The project will also improve access to green space for people without gardens of their own and includes plans for accessible raised beds to support participation by disabled users.

The project will deliver a range of environmental, social and health benefits with expected outcomes to include:

• The creation of Aviemore's first allotment site.
• Increased access to local food-growing opportunities for at least 20 households.
• Improved community resilience and food security.
• Reduced food miles and support for climate action through local food production.
• Increased awareness of composting, food waste reduction and sustainable growing practices.
• Enhanced biodiversity through wildlife-friendly planting and land management.
• Improved physical and mental wellbeing through gardening and outdoor activity.
• Greater community cohesion through shared learning, volunteering and social interaction.
• Increased opportunities for intergenerational knowledge sharing and community participation.

In the longer term, the allotments will become a valuable community asset, providing a sustainable resource that supports health, wellbeing and environmental outcomes for many years.

Key Milestones already achieved:

• Extensive community engagement has been undertaken.
• More than 70 residents have expressed interest in having an allotment.
• The project is supported by Aviemore & Vicinity Community Council and Aviemore Community Enterprise.
• A charitable organisation (Aviemore Allotment Association) has been established (SCIO).
• Trustees have been appointed and governance arrangements put in place.
• A suitable site has been identified adjacent to Badenoch & Strathspey Community Hospital, with a lease currently being finalised between AAA and NHS Highland for at least 10 years.
• Full planning permission has been obtained for change of use of the site.
• Quotes and cost estimates have been obtained for all the required groundworks including fencing, pathways, a composting toilet and composting area, a community shed, a water capture system and up to 20 separate allotment areas.

This funding application represents the next step in securing match fund resources to complete the final development funding for construction and groundworks for these allotment plots, communal facilities and composting areas.

Anticipated start date: September 2026

Anticipated end date: September 2027

• Leisure
• Mental Health
• Environmental Initiatives
• Outdoor Community Space

• Badenoch & Strathspey