Orchard support

Local MSP Roseanna Cunningham has backed a project which aims to create an online inventory of local orchards.

Comrie Development Trust (CDT) has teamed up with the National Inventory of Orchards for Scotland in a bid to locate and record as many of the fruit- filled wooded areas as possible between Perth and Comrie.

Those behind the move have said an inventory will help to safeguard orchards for the future.

Newly-planted sites are also set to benefit as, according to a spokesperson, knowing the location of orchards is the foundation for their revival.

For the purposes of this project, an orchard is defined as a collection of five or more fruit trees – including trees situated in gardens.

After pledging her support for the project, Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Ms Cunningham said: “This isn’t just a question of making a list for the sake of it, there will be real benefits both in terms of identifying and preserving traditional orchards and in promoting and encouraging the planting of new ones.”

Information on potential orchards can be submitted to Comrie Community Orchard on 01764 670967 or dimcnab@ hotmail.com.

Anyone wishing to volunteer their services to act as an orchard surveyor is also encouraged to get in touch.