Charity plans 145-plot allotment area in Inverness

A charity has sought planning permission for a 145-plot allotment area in Inverness.

Knocknagael Ltd is in the final stages of taking over about 20 acres (8 ha) of land on a Scottish government-owned bull stud on the south side of the city.

Bulls kept on the 326-acre (132 ha) farm at Knocknagael are hired out to crofters across the Highlands and Western Isles.

Knocknagael Ltd also wants to create a community gathering space, car park, walkways and a wildflower meadow.

The charity, which has secured support from the Scottish Land Fund for its purchase, has submitted a planning application to Highland Council.

The bull stud scheme at Knocknagael dates back to Victorian times.

Plans for the community bid for an area of land called the Smiddy Field were first made in 2015 after it was deemed at the time to be surplus to requirements.

There were local concerns the land would be developed for housing and lost as a community asset.