Seven residents at a Port of Leith Housing Association development have taken to growing their own fruit and vegetables, thanks to a scheme run by the housing provider.

The seven residents of the St Nicholas Court sheltered housing development have become the “Dottery Diggers”, taking up an initiative designed to get residents active outdoors, gain new skills and grow their own fresh produce which can be used for meals.

The Diggers raised funds to buy tools, seeds and pots, and have already grown tomatoes, strawberries and onions. Two residents – John Ross and Bill Smith – have been in charge of growing potatoes.

Maureen Tait, PoLHA’s sheltered housing services manager, said: “Our residents embrace new initiatives and I’m delighted the fruits of their labour are going down a treat.

“We’ve not had a brilliant summer weather-wise, but through rain or shine, the budding gardeners have been out tending to their produce.

“This most difficult vegetables to grow have been potatoes, but John and Bill have worked hard and even earned themselves the nickname of Bill and Ben!”