Edinburgh's West Port Garden is a special place to be – Angus Robertson

Originally, the garden was a component of the Patrick Geddes Open Spaces Committee initiative which, from 1880 onwards, improved the green spaces in Edinburgh. What is now the West Port Garden was founded in the early 1900s and managed by “a band of devoted ladies”, including Geddes' daughter, Norah. A talented landscape designer, she created a series of terraces on the steeply sloping site to provide flower gardens, vegetable plots and play areas for children.

By 1924, a Scout club hut and meeting place for other groups was created, and the garden continued to play a central role in the community. Having been left to become dilapidated, the garden was rescued by Grassmarket residents in 2013 and is now a fantastic local focal point for the community.

Sincere thanks to all those who have committed countless hours to make this garden as special as it is. It’s a resource for local residents and anyone with a practical interest in gardening.

The gardening group usually meets at 2pm on Sundays. If you’re a local with green fingers looking for a garden to help tend and enjoy, you can apply for a key for a small charge. Check the noticeboard on the garden fence for gardening times, open days and other events. If you would like to find out more about it or join the gardening group, email [email protected] or come along on a Sunday afternoon.

Angus Robertson is the SNP MSP for Edinburgh Central and Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Secretary