MSP visits Lanarkshire orchard at historic 17th century site

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A local MSP has praised a Lanarkshire orchard after visiting its historic site. Graham Simpson met members of the Viewpark Conservation Group (VCG) who run the project at the Historic Douglas Support Estate.He was joined by VCG Lead Ranger, Mark Perry, as well as staff from the Orchard Group and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to hear about the various schemes happening across the site, and their plans for the future.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The Historic Douglas Estate, which dates back to the 17th century and occupies 170 acres, was purchased by the local community in 2020 after receiving money from the Scottish Land Fund.A grant of £435,800 ended fears over the future of the ‘The Glen’ and represents the largest amount of land acquired to date through the Scottish Land Fund.Mr Simpson discussed the group’s plans to rejuvenate the land, including developing the recently planted orchard.Through the Orchard Project’s £97,300 award from the National Lottery Heritage fund, the VCG have been able to undertake a three-year orchard planting project.He heard how the project delivers regular planting days where schools and members of the public, both individually or in groups, can come to plant new trees in the Orchard.The VCG also shared their long-term plan to create a community hub on the