Fife gardener defies experts by growing bumper crop of apricots

A Fife man has proved horticultural experts wrong by growing a bumper crop of apricots.

Rab Thomson, from Buckhaven, is enjoying the delicious fruit just 18 months after he planted an apricot tree in his small garden in Den Walk.

It was previously thought that in the UK, apricots could only be grown in the warmer south-east of England and, even then, with difficulty but the mild winter, followed by a warm summer, has seen Rab’s garden flourish with 30 abundant fruit trees, including apples, plums, pears and grapes, as well as apricots, now growing.

Rab, vice-chairman of community group Clear, is a well-known figure and fruit expert. A former miner, he is a regular contributor to the Clear orchards around Buckhaven.

Clear is continuing to improve the environment and has planted some edible flower beds with the help of Buckhaven Primary School children.

Nasturtium, kale, chard, cabbage and chives are among the plants growing in the College Street park and the public has been invited to pick the salad and vegetables for their own use.