Milnathort & Kinross Allotments Association
MKAA Chairperson Report 2025
Compiled 2nd November 2025
Joiners, Movers and Leavers
Over the course of 2025 we have welcomed 13 new members to MKAA and said farewell to 10 plot holders who have moved on for various reasons. Two of these were unfortunately evicted from their plots due to poor upkeep.
Notable members not planning on continuing with their plot into the new year are Robert and Fiona, and I want to take this opportunity to wish them well and thank them for the commitment and passion they have shown towards the allotment association over many years – not only in cultivating their own beautiful plot with amazing produce and award winning dahlias, but also for the hard work they have poured into the community space. You will be greatly missed, and we hope you will still feel welcome to join us on site at any time for a catch-up.
We have continued to generate a steady stream of new members over the course of the year, and thanks go out to Tim who has once again promoted the association on Facebook and generated interest from the local community.
We continue to try and be flexible in our approach to offering suitable growing space to members old and new through plot swaps and the division of larger plots so we make best use the available space on site. In addition, we are in the process of developing guidance and resources for new members so that they can quickly get the most out of their first plot.
Finances
We have had another highly successful year at the farmers markets, generating more income again than previous years. The card reader has continued to prove its worth, and the beautiful plants grown and donated for sale by members generated over £1100 profit between the April and May markets. A special thank you goes to Beryl, aided by Allan, who have again donated their time, effort and greenhouse space to ensure our stall is filled with attractive, desirable plants.
Charity and Community Work
The grant from the Royal Warrant Holder’s Association that we received last financial year for development of the community space has now been spent on the development of the fruitcage. I would like to thank all members for their help with this work, but particular gratitude goes to Colin, Tony, Steve and Chris who have put in a huge amount and effort to make it happen in time to grow produce for the community this summer which has been very well received. We look forward to further refining what we grow next year and maximising our contributions to local recipients.
We also donated some left-over plants from the farmers market to the outdoor education coordinator at Milnathort Primary School to grow on with the kids in new raised beds in the playground. We hope to be able to continue this offer next year and have also offered input to Kinross Primary School’s P7 classes as they learn about where their food comes from over the course of the next term.
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Chairperson Report 2025
Workdays
We have continued to have good turnouts at the workdays this year and the opportunity for a cuppa, cake and chat during the sessions continues to be appreciated and enjoyed. Thank you to Amanda for delivering a composting masterclass during one workday which was well attended, and we would love to hear if there are any other education or discussion sessions that you would like organised for future dates.
Unfortunately, we still have some members that have failed to attend any workdays this year. At the time of writing there were four individuals in this position, but there remain opportunities for attendance before the end of the year, so we hope they embrace those. It is important to remind all members that attendance at three workdays over the course of each calendar year is one of our rules, and failure to do so without good reason may result in members not being permitted to renew their tenancy the following year. We plan to schedule three to four mid-week sessions next year to ensure those who work at weekends have more opportunity to attend. There is also the opportunity to help at Farmers Market Stalls or indeed request an individual worklist as a last resort.
Thank you to members who have attended and put in a huge amount of effort to ensure the site is well maintained, and also to those who have kindly donated their home baking - especially Denise who continues to bake her delicious loaves for every session.
Plot Inspections
We have completed three full plot inspections this year, two brief ones with a further one due in November. These have all been done during workdays and involving both board members and a variety of other members on each occasion. The inspections have allowed us to identify and address small potential issues such as broken glass, waste and weeds before they become too much of a problem in most cases. Thank you to all members who have positively responded to requests to address any issues noted.
We are continually reviewing and improving the inspection process by listening to feedback to ensure it is as fair and transparent as possible for all members. I would encourage everyone to volunteer to help with the inspections to better understand the process and gain an awareness of plot maintenance across the site.
Digital First
We have continued to use our Microsoft 365 account to improve our document storage, sharing and streamlining of several processes within the association. There are further opportunities for development of our communications and workflows, so we will keep you updated with any changes.
Social Events
This year has seen two social events for members – the Easter Egg hunt and the Family Fun Day – both organised by Karen and Susie who I want to thank for their hard work because they were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Due to the positive response to these, we hope to arrange more and already have some suggestions from members for future events.
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Chairperson Report 2025
Into 2026
As we move into 2026, I look forward to seeing the allotment association continue to thrive, welcoming new members and further establishing ourselves as an important resource in the Kinross and Milnathort community. I hope we can finish the community garden development to ensure we offer a beautiful place to relax and reflect in addition to the productive community growing space we have already developed.
I look forward to producing guidance and educational resources with and for members for the benefit of all, as I know that we have a wealth of knowledge within the association that needs to be shared. Most of all, I look forward to seeing members spending time in each other’s company, sharing knowledge and offering support.
Thank you
I want to take this opportunity to thank all members of the current board for their dedication and support as without them we would not be able to function as a charity. I would particularly like to Thank Chris and Steve for the time and effort they willingly donate on a regular basis to undertake the duties of Secretary and Treasurer, ensuring the association runs smoothly and within the requirements of the Scottish Charity Regulator.
In addition, I would like to thank our maintenance team Colin, Chris, Tony and Steve for all the work they continue to do behind the scenes and between workdays to ensure the site is stocked with required materials and larger construction and maintenance tasks are completed.
It is with great sadness that I announce that Chris will be standing down as secretary tonight, as he has been a massive driving force on the board for the last nine years. He has dedicated a huge amount of his time to ensuring that the association runs smoothly and that all members have a friendly face welcoming them when they join and to turn to with any queries throughout their time with us. I want to thank him personally, and on behalf of the board, for his dedication to the association and hope that he can now enjoy time at his plot commitment-free as he has certainly earned it.
Lastly, thank you to all members for their ongoing support and commitment to the association, it is a pleasure to work with you all.
Laura Cameron
MKAA Chairperson, 2025
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Chairperson Report 2025