Lorn Organic Growers based at Barguillean Nursery near Taynuilt can continue to grow thanks to a grant of nearly £2,500 awarded in March 2016 from the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm Community Benefit Main Grant Fund. This will enable them to undertake a programme of repair and improvement to their six polytunnels to make them weather proof and resilient.
Established in 2013, Lorn Organic Growers took over a previously used site in order to develop a community resource where people can grow food in a co-operative environment. It allows the current 35 members and their families to grow vegetables that are otherwise not possible to grow in Argyll and also provides growing space for people with no gardens or growing space of their own, especially important as there are no allotments within 50 miles of Oban.
Tunnel that has lost its plastic in high winds
The grant will allow the members to repair one extensively damaged polytunnel and do preventative improvements to others to avoid further damage in future, as well as improving drainage around one of the tunnels which has been flooded. Carrying out the labour themselves will bring the added benefits of sharing skills and learning and strengthening the group by working together.
Flooded tunnel that requires extra drainage work
The grant awarded to Lorn Organic Growers was made through the main grant scheme from the Carraig Gheal Community Benefit Fund. This is open to projects within the five community council areas bordering the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm; Avich and Kilchrenan, Kilinver and Kilmeford, Kilmore, Taynuilt and Glenorchy and Innishail, though projects outwith this area may be considered on a case by case basis. The next round of funding it due to open shortly and further details can be found on the Carraig Gheal Wind Farm website www.carraigghealwindfarm.co.uk