The council’s latest Food-Growing Annual Report has been published and shows that the number of people in South Lanarkshire involved in food-growing activities is around 8000.

A total of 335 plots are currently provided by the council at six allotments sites in East Kilbride and Rutherglen where the greatest demand for this activity has previously been, and a site has been recently completed in Strathaven, but there is enough interest in Hamilton now for at least one site in that area to be developed.

While demand in Clydesdale is low by comparison, interest does still exist and so, following the progression of the Hamilton proposals, the council will look into the possibility of creating smaller un-serviced sites in that area.

In addition to the council sites, the council also works in partnership with nine community groups who wish to manage food-growing on council land by leasing them the land for a nominal rent, and there is also a range of informal activity taking place on council land, with both aspects enabling more than 5200 people to become involved in growing food.

More than 2210 pupils from 36 schools have become involved, also, with the council and partners providing resources to enable a host of activities.

Councillor Mark McGeever, Chair of the council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, said: “South Lanarkshire has a long and proud tradition of growing food, and it is great to see so many people wanting to grow their own.

“Not only does this have obvious environmental benefits, but it's also great for health and well-being to be out working with nature, and there's the satisfaction of seeing the product of your work growing before your eyes.

"We will continue to encourage and assist people to do this as much as we possibly can.”