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Partners in Thyme

‘Partners in Thyme’ is a new community garden scheme run by The Newton and Sandwick Community Partnership which will benefit people over 50 in the greater Stornoway area.

Based on and working with a similar, smaller-scale project in Cearns, ‘Partners in Thyme’ will create a garden using polytunnels and windbreaks to grow fruit and vegetables in an area where the weather can be very challenging. The long distances from the mainland make fresh produce relatively expensive and hard to come by, while bad weather can often disrupt supplies entirely. The tradition of crofting in the Outer Hebrides has also declined over the years and fewer people grow their own fresh food.

‘Partners in Thyme’ will improve the health and well-being of over 50s not only through added exercise from digging, sowing and planting, but also by supplying fresh produce for them - and others in the area - to eat.

Volunteering will play an important role, with over 50s gaining increased confidence and self-esteem by providing gardening skills and sharing their experiences with younger community members. It is primarily due to younger people leaving the islands that the Western Isles have a higher than average number of over 50s compared to the rest of Scotland. By taking part the over 50s can improve community links, and help to reduce their own feelings of isolation and loneliness which can be common amongst older people.

What the group says:

Why should people vote for you?

People should vote for us as this is a community led project which will benefit a large number of over 50s in the Western Isles and will also provide the opportunity for a range of inter-generational activities.

What will you spend the money on?

If we are successful in winning the BBC / Big Lottery Primetime funding, the money will be used to establish our wonderful 'Partners in Thyme' grow-your-own project. We will construct our poly-tunnels, a garden area and meeting place and provide transport to ensure that all members of the community are able to participate in providing healthy fruit and vegetables for their own consumption and that of the wider communities in the Western Isles.

The Newton and Sandwick Community website

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