Community Spirit Grows as Cameron Toll Supports Jock Tamson’s Gairden

Jock Tamson’s Gairden began life as nothing more than a weedy four-acre field in the grounds of Duddingston Kirk – but today it has grown into a thriving community garden thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers from across the city of Edinburgh.

The Gairden, which began during the first lockdown, continues to flourish as a peaceful space providing locally-grown food and meaningful opportunities for people to come together.

Lizz Spence from Jock Tamson’s Gairden said: “As well as being a community project that is open to all, we place a strong focus on supporting those experiencing loneliness, bereavement, social isolation, mental health challenges, addiction, learning difficulties, neurodiversity or those looking to gain new skills to support future employment.

“The funding from the Cameron Toll Community Fund allows us to triple the amount of wheelchair accessible pathway here, enabling greater access for everyone.”

Claire Jefcoate, centre manager at Cameron Toll added: “We’re proud to support this much-loved community resource and to help expand access to all of its parts through the new pathway.  Jock Tamson’s Gairden is a wonderful example of what can flourish when people come together.”

For more information on Jock Tamson’s visit: www.jocktamsonsgairden.org.uk.