A SOUTH of Scotland MSP has praised the work of a community action project in Peebles following a recent visit.

Claudia Beamish was given an update on the work of Peebles CAN, including the Saturday Farmers Market, work with secondary pupils on woodwork projects and teaching local primary school pupils about food waste using locally grown produce.

She met a group of young people from the local area who started as volunteers and successfully moved into jobs with the project, and was presented with a bird box, which was been made by Greg, one of the volunteers on the project.

Ms Beamish said: “Over the last two years, Peebles CAN has grown from the environmental ambition of a handful of volunteers into a project that has really captured the imagination of the whole community.

“It is particularly pleasing to see this work expand to a successful youth project. With youth unemployment being such a big problem in rural areas it is great to see a project like this attempting to tackle it.

“I am pleased to hear the group are still working closely with the local schools. Teaching children at a young age about food waste is vital for the future of our planet.

“I was particularly impressed by the pizza oven which was made by the pupils for the local High School. I hope I will be able to go back in the summer months to see it in action.

“I want to encourage people to volunteer with this great project and I know Peebles CAN are particularly interested in people who are wanting to get involved with the garden.” Peebles CAN was set up with the aim of working creatively with all sectors of the community, with a particular focus on developing the life skills of young people; to deliver life-enhancing projects that build community resilience and capacity. Anyone interested in getting involved with Peebles CAN - and especially the garden - should call 01721 721088.