Residents in Portobello, Craigmillar and Musselburgh offered free apple tree to plant in their gardens

Households in Portobello, Musselburgh and Craigmillar are being invited to apply to receive a young apple tree to be planted in their gardens.

Art Walk Projects have commissioned Edinburgh-based artist and performer Annie Lord to create The Neighbouring Orchard, which will build a community of locally grown apple trees to provide the possibility of apple harvests for years to come.

"The trees will be planted in front gardens or shared gardens, ensuring that they are visible to the wider community, acting as markers for people on daily walks, seen from bus windows and from other household's windows," Art Walk Projects said in a press release.

The varieties will be those traditionally grown in local orchards in the 19th century, including Ribston pippin and hawthornden.

Locals in Portobello, Craigmillar and Musselburgh could own their own apple tree.

For those with paved gardens, a small number of trees which are suitable for planting in large containers will be available.

People interested in receiving an apple tree should visit www.artwalkporty.co.uk or email [email protected] to register interest.

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