Cumbernauld Allotments

Cumbernauld Allotments were opened in 1984 after the Cumbernauld Development Corporation created the area using a Youth Development programme. The site opened with 21 allotments in a landscaped area behind Cumbernauld House and within the courtyard of the old Cumbernauld Castle. (now demolished)

Tenants were allocated allotments on individual leases renewable annually at a rate set by the Corporation.

Cumbernauld Development Corporation along with the other Scottish New Town Development Corporations was disbanded in 1996 and the responsibility for the Cumbernauld New Town was transferred to North Lanarkshire Council.

After the transfer, North Lanarkshire Council did not bill the tenants for their allotments and did not re-let any vacated allotments. Queries by individual tenants received the reply that the Council knew nothing about the allotments area.

In early 1997, rumours started that, the Council intended to sell Cumbernauld House and that the allotment area would be added to the sale as a sweetener.

At this stage it was agreed that all tenants should visit their local councillors to protest about the sale of the allotments and that a letter should be sent to the Chief Executive of the Council protesting at the complete absence of consultation with the tenants over the proposed sale of the allotment area.

The letter to the Chief Executive of the Council resulted in a meeting being arranged between council officials and the allotment tenants in May 1997. At this meeting the council officials confirmed that it had been decided that Cumbernauld House would be put up for sale and that the land covered by the allotments would be offered as extra land for building purposes. The officials said that the Council would draw up a list of possible sites to relocate the allotments. the tenants were also advised to form an Association as the Council would not negotiate with 21 individuals.

The Cumbernauld Allotments Association was formed at a meeting of the tenants on Friday 13th June 1997.

Since that date the company to which Cumbernauld House was to be sold decided that they only wanted about 30% of the allotments land, which meant the loss of 9 allotments, however the Council has agreed to open land to the rear of the area and create 9 new allotments. To date this work has not been started but the plans for the layout have been agreed and will shortly go out to tender.

The Council has also given the Cumbernauld Allotments Association a 20 yr. lease, from 1st November 1998, of the remaining area including the new allotments area.

Persons residing in the Cumbernauld area can apply to join the waiting list for new members by contacting:-

Mr. Harry Gunn

66 Tiree Drive

Ravenswood

Cumbernauld

Telephone:- 01236-728890 or Mobile:-07900587173

Or via the email address on the home page of this website

Applicants should be aware that the waiting list currently stands at 7 persons and new applicants could wait for 4 to 8 years before being allocated an allotment.

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