We will take a look back in time to when the site was the location of a hotel (The Coach House) which had become derelict and was subsequently demolished and became a dumping ground for all sorts of rubbish.

When we organised the annual litter pick in 2015, we had asked the scouts to clear as much litter from the site as they could. They did a fine job and when I looked at it afterwards I wondered if we could do something better for the town.

On approaching the site owner, he agreed that we could use the site until such time as he planned to use it.

Our plan was simply to tidy up the area and provide some seating and flower tubs, however as will be seen the whole thing has blossomed and become a real asset to the town, thanks to the great help we have had from many sources by way of donations, funding and general help along the way.

This is when the project began to take shape.

Colin McVey of Valleycraft used bricks supplied by Douglas Biggar and bricked up the hole in the wall at the right rear of the site, this had at some time previous been boarded up and the board was both loose and decaying.

We then asked the community pay back team if they could help by cutting down all the shrubs and small trees which had established. Once the undergrowth had been cleared, tree surgeon David Scott shredded all the wood.

This was followed by Guy Tulloh measuring the site and producing 3 different layouts of what could be done with the site.

Martin McLeod then came in with his JCB and in only 3 hours completely transformed the site, levelling it and making a raised area at the rear which is intended to be an area where outdoor concerts or other activities can take place in better weather.

This is when we asked the John Muir Trust team headed by Stewart Beck if they could help with the making of the site.  (Stewart has also helped with setting up of this Blog for which we thank him sincerely)  This team were the ones who really made the difference and every week over the winter of 2015 they turned up in any weather.

Many of Stewart's team were in process of looking for work and during the time with us, several have been successful in finding jobs. They have been a great lot, both male and female, always cheery and willing to do anything asked of them. (Every time we met, we had a tea break mid way and Rose made wee buns or scones and I made the pancakes we had tea and coffee, mainly in the rain). At this point it has to be said that Scott from Barrington House always came along and enjoyed his tea. While Scott wasn't able to do a lot of the work he was an inspiration and kept us all busy with his various questions and advice. Everyone has something to offer in a project like this and it has been inspiring to see what has been offered by many individuals and businesses in the town.

When the drawing was produced the site was levelled and cleared, and all ready to go, we were supplied with many loads of top soil (the donor wishes to remain anonymous) which proved to be mainly heavy clay. However we toiled on and did what we could, this was back breaking work as anyone who has worked with heavy clay will testify. While it is difficult to handle, what we have is full of worms and is extremely fertile and many plants thrive on it. Gordon McLeod came along when the soil was being delivered and generally laid out the site according to the drawing.