Land marked for allotment plots

Waiting lists for allotments have dramatically increased in recent years

Budding gardeners looking for an allotment on the Isle of Man may be in luck, as several plots are being offered in the centre of the island.

Howard Quayle, president of the Manx National Farmers' Union, has announced he is to make a seven-acre field at the Braaid available.

Demand for the plots is expected to be high as there are long waiting lists for existing allotments on the island.

A meeting to establish the level of interest will be held on 8 November.

The meeting will be held on site - weather permitting - at 1430 GMT.

For those unable to make that date, additional visits of the site will be possible.

Allotments will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Mr Quayle said: "It's a win-win situation.

"Local people get allotments that they desperately want, reaping the benefits of being outside in the beautiful Manx countryside, reconnecting with where real food comes from, and I get some of my land bringing in an additional income if the scheme is a success."