VOLUNTEERS who planted a community orchard in Glasgow are harvesting their first crop.
The fruit trees, in the grounds of the Botanic Gardens in the West End of the city, were planted as part of the Commonwealth Orchard project.
The scheme, run by local volunteers, aims get children interested in fruit and gardening.
John Hancox, Director of the Commonwealth Orchard, believes the initiative can make a difference to people's lives.
He said: "It's nice that the fruit we have been planting already is getting established and that people are getting a lot of pleasure from the blossom and also from the fruit.
"The Commonwealth Orchard is a nice way in which people can improve their local environment and grow some tasty food."
The group planted a range of fruit trees across the city, including in the grounds of local schools, such as Oak Grove Primary in the West End, Drummore Primary, in Drumchapel, and Hampden School, on the city's South Side.
The next step in the project is the Abundance Scotland event, which will see volunteers come together to collect surplus fruit from trees across Glasgow.
Once harvested, the fruit will be donated to local schools and community projects
Mr Hancox added: "We are identifying fruit trees which are in public areas or gardens and fruit which would otherwise go to waste.
"The idea is that people gather fruit for everybody's benefit with the aim that we can improve the health of the city and show kids that fruit grows on trees."
Mr Hancox added: "The idea of the Commonwealth Orchard is an old one – to bring people together."
chris.taylor@ heraldandtimes.co.uk