There is a huge demand for allotments in Edinburgh. One of the main reasons for new sites not being created is the cost. There is plenty of land in Edinburgh, much already owned by the Council, if some of this was allocated for allotments just how much needs to be provided to create a new site.

I am lucky to have a plot on the newest site in Edinburgh, Bridgend. We are fortunate to have such a well provisioned and designed site. Security fencing and gates, internal roads and parking, well built paths, sheds and water butts for every plot, mains and reclaimed water. The site was plowed over and landscaped. This is an good example of how to build an ideal site, and part of the reason for Bridgend was to create a demonstration site of what can be done. I am very glad to have a plot here but I am also well aware that some view the money spent on this as too much.

The demand for plots in Edinburgh is such that would it not be worth considering how to provide allotment sites as cheaply and quickly as possible?

What do you really need for an allotment site?

At a bare minumum you need:

• A field or area suitable for growing.
• Access & parking.
• A fence.
• A water supply.
• Plots and paths marked out.
  

If a new site was created with just this and it was offered to applicants who were willing to create their own plot out of unprepared ground would it work? It obviously wouldn't be suitable for some and they could just put their name down for their preferred existing site as normal. But if you were willing to work hard and create your own site would you prefer this over having to wait for up to 7 years to get a plot?

If I had been given this choice when I was on the waiting list I would certainly of put my name down.

This seems a good way to get new sites up and running fairly cheaply and quickly. What do you think?