Bannockburn House, once used as Bonnie Prince Charlie’s battle HQ, is set to receive nearly £15,000 from the Central Scotland Green Network Growing Food Together Fund.

The community owned and volunteer led project is one of nine environmental initiatives to have been awarded a share of the £100K fund, supported by the Scottish Government, to encourage community growing and promote healthy eating.

Bannockburn House Trust Chair Penny Ellis said: “We’re over the moon to have been awarded £14,613 to support our food growing activities and facilities. Thanks to the fund we’ll be able to continue our community food projects, such as our grow your own tattie packs. We’ll also be creating more raised beds, installing new fencing, improving our paths and creating a new community orchard for locals to enjoy.”

Environmental regeneration charity, the Green Action Trust, is managing the fund as part of its work to drive forward the delivery of the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) plan.

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of the Green Action Trust, said: “We were very pleased to receive such a positive response to our Growing Food Together fund.

“Innovative community growing projects like these will develop important areas for people to come together safely, creating vibrant community growing resources to encourage healthy eating, benefit local and disadvantaged communities, and enhance the local environment.”

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “The Growing Food Together Fund helps local communities enjoy the benefits of growing fruit and vegetables by supporting projects that deliver social, community, health and environmental benefits.

“We are all increasingly aware of the importance of having access to growing and greenspaces as well as the physical and mental benefits of being outside. I am delighted that this support will help even more people get involved in community growing spaces and learn about the value of fresh, locally-grown food.”