A ONCE-derelict garden being brought back to life by a team of hard-working volunteers is opening to the public.

Green-fingered enthusiasts have been working to transform the old kitchen garden on Gilmerton Estate, near Athelstaneford.

Thanks to a £10,000 award from the National Lottery Community Fund, the building of a much-needed community shelter and workspace for the volunteers has been commissioned.

Members of the public will get the chance to see the building on Sunday during an open day from noon to 4pm.

June Tainsh, chairperson of the trustees, highlighted the hard work carried out at the garden.

She said: “The trustees are delighted that the building is now complete and we can’t wait to see the benefits of this new asset for the local community.”

The shelter and workspace will allow volunteers to host craft activities such as willow weaving, fabric dying and tuition in beekeeping.

They also aim to offer workshops to develop creativity in horticultural crafts, re-skilling people in traditional, useful crafts which help to promote self-sufficiency and use of locally sourced materials – supplied from the garden as much as possible.

Kate Still, the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland chairperson, said: “Growing Matters is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.

“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work and to help communities thrive.”

At the open day, there will be tea and cakes, produce stalls and information about a new project to build a roundhouse from hazel.