Annual apple collection
Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Climate Cafe volunteers are gearing up for their annual apple collection and redistribution project.
And those behind the popular scheme are hoping an appeal for an increased core of volunteers bears fruit.
Led by Kristin Barrett, the idea behind the initiative is to encourage more people to use local fruit rather than buying imported goods, reducing waste in the process.
Since then, donations of surplus apples – hundreds of kilos worth – have been redistributed to anyone who could use them, including Blairgowrie High School’s home economics department.
Upcycled bags of apples are often left around the town for people to help themselves to, and there have been several opportunities for people to have their apples pressed into juice, with hundreds of litres of apple juice pressed at a time.
There were bumper crops of apples in the area in both 2017 and 2018, although 2019 was a bit different.
Around 560kg were distributed and around 50 jars of apple chutney and apple jelly were given away at the Friendship Cafe in Rattray.
Kristin said:“The apples are nearly ready, and some local trees are well laden.
“So the climate café volunteers are gearing up to collect and redistribute apples around Blairgowrie and Rattray as usual, avoiding waste, and saving on the costs and food miles of bringing fruit from abroad.”
Kristin also said that, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the process will be slightly different this year.
She explained:“In view of the ongoing COVID-19 virus situation, the volunteers will be phoning or texting the apple donors beforehand to check what arrangement suits them better.
“Ideally, apple donors can bring their apples to 10 Balmoral Road, Rattray, PH10 7AE, as soon as possible after gathering them, preferably early in the day.
“Or donors can ask the volunteers to come to gather their windfall apples when required.
“The volunteers will be observing the current Scottish Government guidance on hygiene and physical distancing.”
She added:“New volunteers are always welcome and can help in various ways.
“These include collecting and distributing apples - you can help out now and again or for a couple of hours each week between now and November, just whatever suits, but preferably first thing in the morning.”
The coronavirus pandemic has also meant that the apple-pressing day planned to take place at the Wellmeadow in Blairgowrie next month has been cancelled.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering with the apple collection and redistribution in any way should call Kristin on 01250 872634 or Elaine on 07843 430925.