Torry Community Garden opening ceremony

The Torry Community Garden, located beside Torryburn Primary School in Newmills, celebrated its official opening on the 16th June with a lively ceremony in the community garden, followed by refreshments in Torryburn Community Hall.

Cllr Anne McGovern cut the ribbon and the children from the school sang a planting song. The event was hosted by the Torryburn Primary School PTA, and a vote of thanks was given by the former Head Teacher, Stewart Crabb.

Cllr McGovern said: “We are delighted by the addition of this facility in our community. The community garden provides a place for local children and their families to learn about gardening and how their food is grown, whilst enjoying the outdoors and keeping fit”.

The community garden project was launched in 2003 when Food for Fife volunteer, Linda Muir, joined forces with Torryburn Primary School, Fife Council, Torryburn & Newmills Community Council and Mark Jeffery, Head Gardener for the National Trust for Scotland at Culross Palace. It was made possible thanks to the generosity of Wemyss Estates who donated a ¾ acre site.

Today the site boasts a wildflower meadow, organically grown vegetables, a henhouse and a doocot.

There are also herbaceous borders, an orchard walk and places to just sit and contemplate. Beside the people mentioned above, much credit for these achievements must go to local volunteer, William O’Donnell Sr., who has devoted many hours of his time looking after the garden.

The principal funding bodies have been Scotland Unlimited, Grounds for Learning – Fife and the Scottish Community Diet Project, with support from the WECAN! Food for Fife project. There has also been support from many local organisations and a private donation has enabled the purchase of a poly tunnel.

If you would like to get involved then get in touch with William O’Donnell Jr., Support Group Secretary, c/o Torryburn School.