Grassroots and Community Unit Forum 2: Community Land and Growing: experiences from the grassroots!

This month, we will be hearing from two fantastic community organisations, Knocknagael and Get Growing Scotland (Grow Green). We will start with both organisations giving an overview of their work, and then open to a collective discussion.

About the organisations

Knocknagael

Knocknagael was established to bring the Smiddy Field at the Knocknagael Farm on Essich Road, Inverness into community ownership, and to develop it as an asset for the community. After approximately ten years of effort, the charity finally took the Smiddy Field into community ownership in January 2026, through a Community Asset Transfer request, as described in the Community Empowerment Act (2015). An application by Knocknagael Ltd to the Scottish Land Fund to support the purchase of the field was successful and the purchase has now been completed. They have ambitious plans to create a resource for the local community that includes allotments, an orchard, amenity and recreational areas, and a community local food growing area. In November 2025 they received planning permission for a change of use from agricultural land to a Green Hub with allotments.

Get Growing Scotland (Grow Green)

Get Growing Scotland represent and connect communities and partners, developing new pathways together and absorbing and sharing ideas to generate inspiration, action, and momentum. Their work is with a movement that is quietly radical, transformational and firmly grassroots. Get Growing Scotland serves to hold and share the ideas and energy coming from communities and partner organisations across Scotland. Their vision is for all communities in Scotland to participate and lead on developing and delivering action on the climate and nature emergencies through advancing wellbeing, developing resilience, and improving outdoor assets in their local area.