Scottish eatery launches food exchange programme

A Scottish restaurant is hoping to encourage garden and greenhouse fans to use their skills to benefit the local community.

Glasgow-based Cookie is starting an Urban Gardener Barter Food Exchange, which will see horticulture enthusiasts given the chance to sell their excess produce to the eatery, shop and deli.

It will use the food in its own cooking and also offer a stall outside where residents can purchase the locally-grown grub.

Co-owner Domenico Del Priore said that he hoped gardeners would be keen to get in touch and make use of the initiative.

He explained that Scottish gardeners have the opportunity to grow a range of fresh and tasty foods.

"The idea is rooted in our own personal interest in gardening and growing so it makes perfect sense to work with like-minded local people who share our passion for reducing their carbon footprint and food miles," he said.

In other news, the Royal Horticultural Society is launching the finals of its Britain in Bloom contest this weekend by having its members plant a "river of green" stretching around the country.