January 9, 2025
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A Moray-based Reservist from The Royal Regiment of Scotland is on a mission to create an allotment for fellow Reservists and Veterans, as part of an environmental and wellbeing initiative.
Captain Scott Shaw, of 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, has spent over a year carefully planning the outdoor space in Elgin, seeing it as an area where nature and community can come together. The activity is part of The Global Charge, a UK 1st Division project focused on securing a better environment for future generations.
Captain Shaw (pictured) explained: “The Global Charge usually involves one-off community events, where soldiers take part in initiatives such as beach clean-ups. These are obviously great, but my ambition is to create something with a more lasting impact that will continue to bring environmental and mental health benefits to the Armed Forces community in Moray for years to come.”
The allotment will provide a welcoming space where Reservists and Veterans can unwind, connect and enjoy the outdoors. The determined 49-year-old has already been busy restoring an arch and transforming the surrounding area by establishing a range of plants and fruit trees, including apple and cherry, with plans to install picnic benches to make the area even more inviting.
Sharing his vision for the project, he said: “My mission is to create a place where our Reservists and Veterans can feel at home and find peace.
“My 33 years in The Royal Regiment of Scotland have given me so much to be grateful for, especially the lifelong connections I’ve made. Our camaraderie is invaluable and creating a space where we can reconnect and reflect would mean a lot to many in our community.
“Once everything is in place, I’d love to open it up to local schools and the wider community so everyone in Elgin can enjoy the space and get involved.”
Reflecting on the benefits of the project so far, Captain Shaw added: “The positive impact on my own mental health since getting the first shovel in the ground has been immense. Just being outdoors, keeping active — it’s wonderful. I want to make sure that those who’ve served and protected us have a space where they can connect and find peace.”
Captain Shaw is eager to engage with others to help ensure the allotment is completed on time: “I’m in contact with other organisations such as Army Cadets. They’ve said they would be keen to take part and even suggested they make a scarecrow or two!”
The allotment is on track to be completed by this summer.
◼️ The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior line infantry regiment of the British Army. Formed in 2006, it was founded on the fighting heritage of historic Scottish infantry regiments representing over 390 years’ continuous service to the Crown. It has deployed to almost every theatre of operations the British Army has been involved in: conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, supporting peace operations in Cyprus, West and North Africa, disaster relief in the Caribbean and giving support to UK Civil Authorities to deal with wild-fire, flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic.
