Unused public land could soon be made available to meet increased demand for allotments, the Scottish Government announced today.

Waiting lists for allotments have risen dramatically in recent years, with more people recognising the environmental, social and health benefits to be gained from working a plot.

With current provision limited and almost three thousand people on waiting lists, the Scottish Government and other public bodies are to explore how surplus land could be made available to help more Scots 'grow their own'.

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "In the current economic climate, with food prices on the increase, interest in growing our own food has never been higher.

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"The issue was raised by many people during the recent discussion on our National Food and Drink Policy and it is absolutely right that the Scottish Government looks at ways of giving more Scots the opportunity to grow their own fresh, seasonal produce.

"Fresh food isn't the only benefit to be had from tending an allotment of course. They encourage physical activity, offer a place for individuals to relax and are also valuable to the local community and environment.

"I am asking a number of public bodies to consider how the land they manage for the Scottish Government could be made available to local authorities to increase the number of allotments in Scotland."

A representative of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities welcomed the news, adding: "COSLA has been pleased to work with the Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society (SAGS) to produce guidance for Local Authorities on allotment provision and we are happy to see the Scottish Government taking an interest in promoting the provision of allotments. We look forward to working in partnership with the government to consider how best this can be achieved."

(GK/JM)