Allotments

As promised, I managed to take a couple of photographs of some local allotments today, without being distracted by ducks and cats (the duck survived, thanks for asking!)

An allotment is a piece of land that can be rented from the city council to grow food on. Traditionally, they are supposed to be 30 poles in area (300 square yards) enough space to grow food for a family of 4. In Edinburgh, the plots tend to be 20 poles.

Most housing in Edinburgh was traditionally in tenement buildings, with no gardens, or a small, shared backyard, so the city was obliged to provide these plots. There are 26 sites, with over 1200 plots (plus some private associations.) These are at Warriston, one of the big ones (119 plots) Our own allotment is at a smaller site at Restalrig.

Plots tend to be very similar; a shed, a cold-frame or greenhouse and loads of bits of wood and containers that "might come in handy sometime" rescued from demolition sites and skips.
It gets you "oot the hoose", provides fresh veg and exercise and is not bad value for 60 quid a year :)

ps The batter rose beautifully, thanks ;)