Garden Openings

Stobshiel House

Humbie EH36 5PD
Mr Maxwell and Lady Sarah Ward

Wednesdays only from 5 March to 24 September, 9am - 3.30pm, admission £6.00, children free. Tea, coffees, lunch and home baking available at Humbie Hub. (2025)

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T:01875 833646 or 07876 350725 E:stobshiel@gmail.com

The garden at Stobshiel House is effectively split into four main parts viz., the walled garden, the shrubbery, the pond and lawns and the woodland areas. Each area is laid out and planted to provide the visitor with all year round interest from swathes of aconites, snowdrops and narcissi in spring to a vast array of perennials, roses, clematis and annuals throughout summer and autumn. The extensive collection of shrubs and mature trees offer a fantastic backdrop during all seasons.

Directions: Travelling from Humbie towards Haddington B6368. Take the second sign on the right opposite Gilchriston, having passed over a very narrow bridge. Go up hill until you see two stone pillars on a corner. If coming from Haddington to Humbie. Take the B6368 and turn uphill to the left at the first sign to Stobshiel. Continue uphill until you see the two stone pillars on your right at a sharp corner. What3words: acclaim.reform.breached

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Marie Curie 60%

Humbie Dean

Humbie EH36 5PW
Frank Kirwan

Wednesday 19 March, Wednesday 2 April, Wednesday 16 April, Wednesday 14 May, Wednesday 11 June, Wednesday 9 July & Wednesday 27 August, 10:30am - 4pm (2025)

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E:frank.kirwan@gmail.com

A two-acre ornamental and wooded garden on a variety of levels, sandwiched between two burns at 600 feet, planted for year-round interest. The palette of plants includes hostas, hellebores, perennial geraniums, primula, meconopsis, martagon lilies, clematis, spring bulbs, ground cover, herbaceous and shrub planting, erythronium, daffodil and bluebell meadow, mature and recent azalea and rhododendron planting, and vegetable beds. The lower sections of the garden are only accessible by a series of steps.

Directions: Enter Humbie from the A68, pass the school and the village hall on the left then immediately turn right just before the Humbie Hub. Take the second left and Humbie Dean is on the left between two small bridges. Limited parking. Find using what3words: shorthand.frog.limbs

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Mamie Martin Fund 60%

Ardchattan Priory

North Connel PA37 1RQ
Mrs Sarah Troughton

Open 1 April – 31 October (Wednesdays only) 9.30am - 5.30pm. Garden Fete Sunday 8th June 12 – 4pm. Admission £6 each day. Children under 16 free. (2025)

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E:admin@ardchattan.co.uk

W:www.ardchattan.co.uk

Overlooking Loch Etive, Ardchattan Priory Garden has a mature rockery and extensive herbaceous and rose borders to the front of the house. On either side of the drive, shrub borders, numerous roses and ornamental trees, together with bulbs, give colour throughout the season. The Priory, founded in 1230, is now a private house. The ruins of the chapel and graveyard are in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and open with the garden.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00019

Directions: Oban 10 miles. From north, turn left off the A828 at Barcaldine onto the B845 for six miles. From east or from Oban on the A85, cross Connel Bridge and turn first right, proceed east on Bonawe Road.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

A Blackbird Sings

20 Kings Park, Longniddry EH32 0QL
Graham and Maxine Pettigrew

Saturday 12 April, Saturday 3 May, Saturday 31 May, Saturday 14 June, Saturday 19 July, Saturday 16 August & Saturday 6 September, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:01875 853003

Situated in the Glassel Park Estate, the planting of this long garden reflects East Lothian habitats including moorland, grassland and woodland, as well as areas of related plant varieties such as rockery, roses, ferns, heucheras and peonies. Together they form a pattern of gardens within a garden accessed by boardwalks and woodland paths. A large water lily pond houses newts and a second pond within a rockery is fed by a waterfall, A cold conservatory contains cacti and insectivorous plants. Vertical structure is provided by a large number of specimen small trees such as Cornus, maples, magnolias, contorted Robinia, Chinese rowan, Davidia and Honey Locust. Animal and bird carvings in wood by Graham reflect local fauna.

Directions: By car: enter Dean Road from A198, right at Kings Avenue, right at Kings Park. House is at the end of the second cul-de-sac. By bus (124, X5): Cunningham Court stop, down Cunningham Court and Old Dean Road to turn right on Kings Avenue and then right at Kings Park.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Leuchie 30% & Scottish Wildlife Trust Ltd 30%

Inchmill Cottage

Glenprosen, near Kirriemuir DD8 4SA
Iain Nelson

Monday 21 April, Thursday 8 May, Thursday 22 May, Thursday 12 June, Thursday 10 July, Thursday 14 August & Thursday 4 September, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

T:01575 540452

This is a long, sloping and terraced garden at over 800 feet in the Braes of Angus, developed to be a garden for all seasons. Half is dominated by bulbs, rhododendrons, azaleas, primulas, meconopsis and clematis. The other half is mainly later summer bulbs, herbaceous plants and roses. There is also a rockery/scree.

Directions: Please DO NOT use SatNav. From Kirriemuir take the B955 (signposted The Glens) to Dykehead (about five miles). From there follow the Prosen sign for about five miles. Inchmill is the white-fronted cottage beside the phone box in the village. There is car parking beside the church (50 yards away) and by the village hall opposite.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: The Archie Foundation 60%

The Secret Garden

Isle of Lismore, Oban, Argyll PA34 5UL
Eva Tombs

1 May - 1 September (Wednesday & Saturday), 10am - 5pm (2025)

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T:07786 374931 E:eva.tombs@gmail.com

A unique garden at the centre of a biodynamic farm on the Island of Lismore in the Inner Hebrides. The garden created from a field has a strong geometric layout that reflects the ecclesiastical history of the island. It has a vegetable garden, a tree nursery, a physic garden, an orchard and a polytunnel. The garden is a haven for wildflowers, birds, bees and butterflies. Standing stones, meadows, new woodlands, mountains and the sea encompass the whole. There is also a herd of rare breed Shetland cattle, chickens, ducks and friendly cats.

Directions: Please telephone for directions. Approximately two miles from Port Appin ferry.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 30% & Oban Gaelic Choir 30%

4 Port Ann

Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8SE
Chris and Anne Buckland

Saturday/Sunday/Monday, 3/4/5 May, Monday/Tuesday, 26/27 May & Saturday/Sunday/Monday, 2/3/4 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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E:chrisbuckland3@hotmail.com

This half acre tiered garden is situated in the former forestry village of Port Ann, enjoying a sheltered position between Loch Fyne and a pine forest. It is a fine example of what can be achieved in a relatively small space. Created over the last 15 years by Anne and Chris. Since Chris has become a wheelchair user part of the top level of the garden has been made accessible with a viewing platform to the garden and loch beyond. The garden has a water feature, a pond teeming with newts and dragonflies, a labyrinth designed by artist Margaret Ker, many neuks and crannies creatively filled with plants and small trees, including rhododendrons, azaleas, hawthorn, fig, maple and acers, and ends in a walk through a wilder area of hazels on the burn side where the ground is smothered in bluebells in May.

Directions: Heading north on A83 from Inveraray, before you reach Lochgilphead, Port Ann is signposted on the right. Please park in central square. Only the top garden deck is accessible by wheelchair.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: MND Scotland 60%

Balhary Walled Garden

Balhary, Alyth, Blairgowrie PH11 8LT
Teri and Paul Hodge-Neale

Saturday 17 May, Saturday 12 July & Saturday 23 August, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

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W:www.facebook.com/balharywalledgarden/

TWO GARDENS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

This two-acre, organic, working walled garden is being lovingly restored by Paul, who is bringing it back to full production with the development and experimentation of the ‘no dig’ method to grow many heritage and new varieties of vegetables. He works single-handed with help once a week from a volunteer and visitors should be aware that they are visiting a space which is continually in progress, where they will have the opportunity to see the season unfold and discuss with Paul the benefits and learning processes of gardening the way he does. Aside from the vegetables, the herbaceous borders are currently being redeveloped to give added colour and interest. Paul and Teri will also open their own private therapy garden, which is a beautiful and contemplative space with serene water features, statuary, stonework and unusual plants.

Directions: Situated between Alyth and Meigle on the B954 opposite the sign to Jordanstone.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Perennial 60%

West Leas

near Bonchester Bridge TD9 8TD
Mr and Mrs Robert Laidlaw

Sunday 1 June & Sunday 3 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:01450 860711 E:ann@johnlaidlawandson.co.uk

The visitor to West Leas can share in an exciting and dramatic project on a grand scale, one that is constantly growing and evolving. A feat of liquid engineering, with a cascading stream contrasting with slow water pools. At its core is a passion for plants, allied to a love and understanding of the land in which they are set. Collections of perennials and shrubs lighten up the landscape to magical effect. The lily pond and woodland planting was added in 2019 and a courtyard garden links to the humidity controlled garden rooms housing a collection of exotics .

Directions: Signposted off the Jedburgh/Bonchester Bridge Road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support: Borders Appeal 60%

Bradystone House

Murthly PH1 4EW
Mrs James Lumsden

Thursdays only from 5 June to 11 September, 11am - 4pm, admission £5, children free. (2025)

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T:01738 710308 E:pclumsden@me.com

A sophisticated cottage garden converted from a derelict farm steading. Imaginative and abundant planting with unusual and special perennials, clematis, roses, abutilons and shrubs. There is an interesting and bountiful plant stall. Small vegetable garden and orchard, meandering woodland walks and a duck pond. A tranquil setting with elegant planting. Garden groups welcome by arrangement. Dogs on leads please.

Directions: From south/north follow the A9 to Bankfoot, then signs to Murthly. At the crossroads in Murthly take the private road to Bradystone.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 60%

Coul House

Coul House, Maree Way, Glenrothes KY7 6NW
Dean and Clare Ansell

Sunday 8 June & Sunday 17 August, 11am - 3pm (2025)

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T:07525 791277 E:Clareansell5@gmail.com

A hidden gem, Coul garden lies within the grounds of Coul House, an imposing B-listed Victorian farmhouse which dates back to circa 1875. A mix of hydrangeas, roses, rhododendron and wisteria are contained in this ever-evolving amateur garden. The garden has more recently been redesigned with hard landscaping and includes a small pond. Come and take a walk around and enjoy a cup of tea and home baking.

Directions: From the A92, follow signs for Pitcairn.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Breakthrough T1D 30% & Glenrothes & District Foodbank 30%

Ilha de Deus

Tiroran, Isle of Mull PA69 6ET
John Innes

Sunday 8 June, Sunday 6 July & Sunday 3 August, 12pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:01681705022 E:johninnes2009@hotmail.com

Half-acre garden with stunning views of Loch Scridain, the Ross of Mull, and surrounded by mountains and community forest. The current owner has been developing the garden over the last four years with a collection of rhododendrons, camellias, fruit trees, roses, ferns, peonies, lilies and a few exotics from the southern hemisphere, together with three small ponds. Dogs welcome on leads. Small selection of plants for sale. Kindly walk on gravel paths and grassy areas only.

Directions: From A849 (Craignure to Fionnphort) turn right at Kinloch junction onto B8035 'Scenic route to Salen'. The Garden is on the left after 4.5 miles immediately opposite Balevulin. The Saltire is flying when the wind is below 30mph.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Open Doors with Brother Andrew 60%

Struanbridge

Essich Road, Inverness IV2 6AH
Marcus and Catriona Jenks

Saturday 28 June, Saturday 26 July, Saturday 30 August & Saturday 27 September, 12pm - 5pm (2025)

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E:mjenks@greenx.co.uk

A small, well-stocked garden approximately three miles from Inverness city centre, set on three levels each with its own distinct character. The entrance to the garden includes a decking area with a small fruit garden and raised beds. The small mid-tier area consists of mainly hydrangeas and rhododendrons and the very informal, hidden lower garden includes a wildlife pond, raised beds, and shaded garden area with a greenhouse, all framed by an old stone bridge and a small burn. Due to its layout, the garden is not suitable for wheelchairs and requires the ability to climb a number of steps to view.

Directions: From the Inverness Southern Distributor road (A8082) exit the Essich roundabout onto Essich Road. Struanbridge is located exactly a ½ mile from the roundabout, on the left. Parking is restricted.,

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Mikeysline 60%

Kirkbrae House

Culross KY12 8JD
Sandra Bannister

Sunday 29 June, Sunday 20 July, Sunday 24 August & Sunday 21 September, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

12c467

E:Sandra.bannister18@gmail.com

An acre of walled garden sitting high in the village of Culross in the shadow of the Abbey. With meandering paths through perennial beds, bright annuals and shrubs and trees from as far as South America and Asia, the garden provides interest from late spring until autumn. The garden aims to provide an environment of joy, surprise and opportunity to sit and enjoy the spectacular garden views of the River Forth.

Directions: The garden is located on Kirk Street. On leaving the lower village start to climb up to the Abbey, the garden gates open directly onto Kirk Street. Car parking is either below the garden or near the Abbey. Buses come into the village from Dunfermline and Kincardine.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Pancreatic Cancer Scotland 30% & Perennial 30%

The Walled Garden at the Hugo Burge Foundation

Marchmont Estate, Duns, Berwickshire TD10 6YL
The Hugo Burge Foundation

every Friday from 4 July to 29 August, 12pm - 4pm, admission £7.00, children free. (2025)

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E:enquiries@hugoburgefoundation.org

W:www.hugoburgefoundation.org

A recently-redeveloped walled garden in the grounds of the Marchmont Estate. Run as a space to inspire creativity as part of the Hugo Burge Foundation, a newly-formed arts charity based in the Scottish Borders. The garden contains herbaceous borders, a kitchen garden, a colonnade, wildflower meadows, cut flower borders, a sculpture collection and newly restored Mackenzie and Moncur glasshouses.

Directions: From the A6105 (Duns to Greenlaw), take the Polwarth road for 1.5 miles. From the B6460, take the Fogo turning and continue for 1.5 miles.

Admission: £7.00, children free

Charities: The Hugo Burge Foundation 60%

Blanerne

West Road, Charlestown KY11 3EW
Lesley and Geoff Fenlon

Saturday/Sunday, 12/13 July & Saturday 16 August, 11am - 4pm (2025)

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E:lesleyabloomer@gmail.com

South-facing hidden village garden with lots of paths to follow and many places to sit, both sunny and shaded. The centrepiece of the garden is a large oval pond with wildlife-friendly planting. Surrounding the pond are several mini-gardens including a rose courtyard garden with catmint, salvias, beech, false indigo and featuring a bubble fountain. There is also a vegetable patch, woodland, a shady courtyard and a summerhouse garden enclosed by a young purple beech/wild rose hedge.

Directions: Driving: follow signs from the A985 into Charlestown. Follow the road until you see the village shop, The Sutlery, available for takeaway all day Saturday and Sunday mornings - these can be eaten in the garden. Parking is behind the Charlestown Workshop, next to the shop. Cycling: National Route76 passes about 20m from the house. Public transport: bus 6/6A from Dunfermline. Alight at The Green in Charlestown, walk towards the shop. Walk west about 20m along West Road. Turn left down the tarmac driveway opposite 10 West Road, the garden is on the right hand side at the end.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Mary's Meals 60%

Amulree

8 Mill Street, Drummore, Stranraer DG9 9PS
Colin Belton and Gabrielle Reynolds

Saturday/Sunday, 2/3 August, 10am - 4pm. Groups also welcome at other times by prior arrangement. (2025)

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T:07899 092070 E:gabygardeners@btinternet.com

Amulree is home to two complete plantaholics who probably should start taking their own advice and stop collecting quite so many plants! Starting from a blank canvas in 2017 the garden now consists of a sunny terrace with displays of half-hardy and tender plants, exuberantly planted borders separated by serpentine grass patches, a small vegetable patch, a glasshouse and a 'wild' bit. Amulree contains many unusual plants including a National Plant Collection.
National Plant Collection: Nicotiana species

Directions: Follow the A716 signposted Drummore and Mull of Galloway. At the T-junction in Drummore turn right. Amulree is on the left, a few doors up from the shop. Bus route 407 from Stranraer.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Kirkmaiden Old Kirk 60%

Willowhill

Forgan, Newport-on-Tay DD6 8RA
Eric Wright and Sally Lorimore

Saturdays & Mondays in August, 1 - 5pm (2025)

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T:01382 542890 E:willowhillfife@btinternet.com

W:www.willowhillgarden.weebly.com

An evolving three-acre garden. The house is surrounded by a series of mixed borders designed with different vibrant colour combinations for effect in all seasons. Spectacular mix of roses, herbaceous perennials and annuals planted through the wide borders are a highlight in mid to late summer. A ‘no dig’ 160-foot border in shades of white, blue, purple and pale yellow was created in 2019/2020. The most recent addition to the garden is another ‘no dig’ border in shades of peach, burgundy, yellow, chocolate and acid yellow. Come and see! April and May for late spring bulbs and flowers; June and July for roses and high summer colour; August for late summer colour. The plant stall includes a lovely selection from the garden. Visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments and picnic in the garden. A season ticket for all these dates, and by arrangement, is £25 plus p&p and admits the ticket holder plus guest. It comes with a limited edition of the Willowhill Garden Guide: 35 pages of beautiful photographs with descriptions of key garden features and plantings. A season ticket with booklet is a perfect gift for garden lovers for a birthday or at Christmas and do treat yourself too! Season tickets are available online at tinyurl.com/yxcj2mzy or by post (cheque for £27.76 payable to Scotland’s Garden Scheme) from Scotland's Gardens Scheme, 23 Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DN.

Directions: 1.5 miles south of Tay Road Bridge. Take the B995 to Newport off the Forgan roundabout. Willowhill is the first house on the left-hand side next to West Friarton Farm Strawberry Shed.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Rio Community Centre 50%

39 Nantwich Drive

Edinburgh EH7 6RA
Michael and Susan Burns

Saturday/Sunday, 2/3 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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Large wildlife-friendly garden run on organic principles. Includes mini orchard, pond, mixed borders, greenhouse and a secret garden. There are mini woodland walks and an allotment for vegetables, plus a compost area, worm bin and rotary bin.

Directions: Bus 19 to Craigentinny Road or bus 26 to Kekewich Drive.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: The Henry Doubleday Research Association : Garden Organic 60%

Silverburn Village

23 Biggar Road, Silverburn EH26 9LJ
The Gardeners of Silverburn Village

Saturday 2 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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A variety of village gardens all surviving at 800 feet and the now well established arboretum and wild flower trail. Enjoy the lovely Pentland Hill views and the Beechgrove Garden around the Hall. Visit the Plant stall with specialist plants and lots for new gardeners and children.

Directions: Parking available. Disabled access. Buses: Houston 101/102 Edinburgh-Dumfries route. On the A702 ten miles from Edinburgh city centre, six miles from the city bypass and two miles from Penicuik via Hopelands Road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Mary's Meals 60%

2 Durnamuck

Little Loch Broom, Wester Ross IV23 2QZ
Will Soos and Susan Pomeroy

Sunday 3 August, 11am - 4pm (2025)

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T:07789 390028 E:sueandwill@icloud.com

W:2Durnamuckgarden.com. You can also find us on Facebook.

Our garden is south-east facing on the edge of Little Loch Broom. It is a coastal plantsman's garden with a rich mix of herbaceous borders, trees and shrubs, vegetables, drystone wall planting. South African/Mediterranean plants, a wild meadow and stunning views. Many of the plants have been collected from all over the world, and growing them has provided obvious challenges but with a pleasing outcome. Featured in 2019 entries in Gardens Illustrated, Homes & Gardens and Beechgrove. Entry in the English Garden magazine in September 2020.

Directions: On the A832, between Dundonnell and Ullapool, take the turning along the single-track road signed Badcaul, continue to the egg shack, turn right, go to the bottom of the hill and 2 Durnamuck is the house with the red roof. There is parking down by the house if needed.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Sandpiper Trust 60%

Hattamoa

Rendall, Orkney KW17 2HF
Caroline Macleod

Sunday 3 August, 12pm - 5pm (2025)

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Set in an acre of land, we have been breaking through the weeds for around three years. Our garden has a mixture of flowers, vegetables, raised beds, wildlife and a pond. There are also a few mature shrubs, windbreak boundaries of willow and dog rose, two polytunnels, one of which houses fruit trees. A new hornbeam hedge and a gabion basket windbreaker wall. The garden is very much a work in progress.

Directions: Follow the A966 through Norsman Village, past Lyron and around the bend at Layburn and the first Hackland sign. Drive up the gentle rise until you come to the second Hackland Kirk sign pointing to the right. Directly opposite this take the left turn up a track and we are the first property, on the left. The tunnels are a sign you are in the right place.

Admission: by donation

Charities: The Clan Strachan Charitable Trust 60%

Byreburnfoot House

Byreburnfoot DG14 0XB
Paul and Julie Taylor

Sunday 3 August, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:01387 371967 E:julie@byreburnfoot.house

W:www.canonbieretreat.org.uk

When we moved here in the Autumn of 2020, we began redesigning and developing the garden. Today you'll find mostly young planting, plus areas of mature trees. Besides garden paths with arches, a rose crown and a pergola, the individual garden areas boast attractive mixed borders interspersed with conifers, shrubs and trees for interest in every season. You'll also see areas dedicated to fruit and vegetable production along with a small polytunnel. We've recently added some gravelled areas around the site with a variety of pots. All the garden areas have seating, some with tables and parasols.

Directions: Do not follow SatNav! Byreburnfoot House can only be accessed via Canonbie. At the bridge over the River Esk in Canonbie, turn on to the no through road with 20mph sign. We are situated on the right, about a mile along this lane.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Canonbie School 60%

Naturally Useful, Marcassie Farm

Rafford, Forres IV36 2RH
Karen Collins

Sunday 3 August, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:01309 675052 E:karen@naturallyuseful.co.uk

W:naturallyuseful.co.uk/

We grow willow, grasses for fibre, plants for dyeing and flowers for printing. We harvest and, by hand, transform these raw materials into something beautiful and useful.

Directions: If using SatNav, only use the address Marcassie Farm (the postcode sends you to the castle). The willow field is on the right of the track just over the bridge.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Quarriers: Willow Field Health and Wellbeing Project 60%

Drummond Castle Gardens

Muthill, Crieff PH7 4HN
Grimsthorpe & Drummond Castle Trust Ltd

Sunday 3 August, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

2857

T:01764 681433

W:www.drummondcastlegardens.co.uk

Activities and events for a great family day out. The gardens of Drummond Castle were originally laid out in 1630 by John Drummond, second Earl of Perth. In 1830 the parterre was changed to an Italian style. One of the most interesting features is the multi-faceted sundial designed by John Mylne, Master Mason to Charles I. The formal garden is said to be one of the finest in Europe and is the largest of its type in Scotland.

Directions: Entrance two miles south of Crieff on Muthill road (A822).

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: BLESMA 60%

Hunter's Tryst

95 Oxgangs Road, Edinburgh EH10 7BA
Jean Knox

Sunday 3 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:07708 653584 E:jean.knox@blueyonder.co.uk

Well-stocked and beautifully designed, mature, medium-sized town garden comprising herbaceous and shrub beds, lawn, fruit and some vegetables, water features, seating areas, trees and an example of cloud pruning. This is a wildlife-friendly garden that has been transformed from a wilderness 40 years ago and continues to evolve. In 2017 two raised beds were added to the front garden. This hidden treasure of a garden was featured on Beechgrove in June 2015 and on The Instant Gardener in June 2016.

Directions: From Fairmilehead crossroads head down Oxgangs Road to Hunter’s Tryst roundabout and it's the last house on the left. Buses 4, 5, 27, 400. The bus stop is at Hunter’s Tryst and the garden is opposite.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Lothian Cat Rescue 30% & St.Columba’s Hospice Care 30%

Glenbervie House

Drumlithie, Stonehaven AB39 3YA
Mr and Mrs A Macphie

Sunday 3 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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The nucleus of the large garden at Glenbervie is the traditional Victorian walled garden. It slopes south east for 1½ acres, divided essentially into four sections, including vegetables punctuated by annuals, roses and lawn, surrounded by fruit and perennials. At the top of the garden is an extensive heated greenhouse, well worth exploring. A lovely woodland garden can be found in other parts of the garden, also around the house, lawns with herbaceous and shrub borders.

Directions: Drumlithie one mile. Garden is 1½ miles off the A90.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 60%

Old Allangrange

Munlochy IV8 8NZ
J J Gladwin

Sunday 3 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:01463 811304 E:office@blackislegardendesign.com

We have an ornamental garden surrounding the house (new information discovered dates it from the 17th rather than 18th Century), and a three acre productive garden with two Keder greenhouses, designed using agroforestry and permaculture principles and gardened bio-dynamically using no-dig technique. The ornamental garden has different areas with distinctive characters. There is a parterre in front of the house with informal planting, a lower garden, an ornamental propagation garden, a mound and orchard. Hedges, (pleached lime, yew, beech, box, holly and mixed species field hedges) clipped in various styles connect the different areas of the garden. We have started to remove perimeter wire fences replacing them with log hedges and brash bunds. With a keen interest in gardening for biodiversity from the soil upwards, no chemicals have been used since our arrival in 1995. The development and improvement of the garden is ongoing.
Champion Trees: Yew and sweet chestnut.

Directions: From Inverness head four miles north on the A9, and follow the directions for Black Isle Brewery. Park up at the Brewery and walk down to the garden. Directions will be given in the shop.

Admission: £7.50, children free

Charities: Flourish 60%

Larch House

Clerklands, Near Lilliesleaf TD6 9JR
David and Julia King

6 - 27 August (Wednesdays only) 11am - 4pm. Pre-booking is required on these days due to limited parking. Also open by arrangement 1 July - 31 August. Admission £5.00, children free. (2025)

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T:01835 870888 E:northcorner14@btinternet.com

The garden at Larch House is constantly evolving. Extending to over three acres and building on a layout, design and planting by the previous owners, further landscaping and renovation is ongoing. It includes a terraced area of vegetables and cut flowers edged by fruit trees, several mixed borders surrounding a lawn, a large natural wildlife pond and a newly-planted bog garden. The garden leads into a mixed wood planted about six years ago where meandering paths, sometimes steep, lead to extensive views of the Cheviots. Many of the paths are gravel and may prove difficult for wheelchairs.

Directions: Clerklands is a small hamlet approximately two miles from Lilliesleaf. On the A7 from Selkirk, turn left and follow signs to Clerklands. After approximately three miles the house will be clearly signed. On the A7 from Hawick, turn right and follow signs towards Lilliesleaf and the house will be clearly signed. Car parking is on site.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Portmore

Eddleston EH45 8QU
Mr and Mrs David Reid

Wednesdays only 6 - 27 August, 1pm - 4pm. (2025)

0c45d7

T:07905 776894

W:www.portmoregardens.co.uk

Lovingly created by the current owners over the past 30 years; the gardens surrounding the David Bryce-designed mansion house contain mature trees and offer fine views of the surrounding countryside. Large walled garden with box-edged herbaceous borders is planted in stunning colour harmonies, potager, rose garden, pleached lime walk and ornamental fruit cages. The Victorian glasshouses contain fruit trees, roses, geraniums, pelargoniums and a wide variety of tender plants. There is also an Italianate grotto and water garden with shrubs and Meconopsis. The woodland walks are lined with rhododendrons, azaleas and shrub roses. Starred in Good Gardens Guide and featured in Kenneth Cox’s book Scotland for Gardeners and on Beechgrove.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00318

Directions: Off the A703 one mile north of Eddleston. Bus 62.

Admission: £7.00, children free

Charities: Abundant Borders (SCIO) 60%

The Gardens at Archerfield Walled Garden

Archerfield Estate, Dirleton, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 5HQ
Kerry Lyall, Head Gardener

Saturday 9 August, 11am - 5pm (2025)

3c8457

W:www.archerfieldwalledgarden.com

Our gardens comprise a series of themed spaces designed for year-round interest. Explore our perennial meadow with swaying grasses and fruit trees. See incredible edibles in the potager; a productive polytunnel complete with grapevine; colourful cutting gardens and a wildlife area with willow tunnels, stumpery and pond. Our light and dark borders brim with monochrome and textural plants and our new water-saving garden features drought tolerant species in shades of blue, rust and orange. Visit the potting shed, where our artist-in-residence creates beautiful botanical casts and take wee ones on a minibeast trail. Come wander, sit and enjoy. There is so much to see!

Directions: By bus East Coast Buses no 124 from Edinburgh. Bus stops (2nd stop) after Gullane, at entrance to Archerfield Estate then a 10 min walk to Archerfield Walled Garden. By car via the A198 East Lothian coast road, turn in to Archerfield Estate, one minute drive to car park at Archerfield Walled Garden. Or refer to our website.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Stepping Out Project 60%

New Lanark Roof Garden

Mill 2, New Lanark World Heritage Site, Lanark, S Lanarkshire ML11 9DB
New Lanark World Heritage Site

Saturday/Sunday, 9/10 August, 12pm - 4pm, admission £5.00, children free. Additionally, refreshments will be available from the Visitor Attraction cafe. Admission to the Roof Garden is also available all year round as part of our Visitor Attraction admission: https://newlanark.digitickets.co.uk/tickets (2025)

3k9

T:01555 661345 E:trust@newlanark.org

W:www.newlanark.org

Created on the 9,000 square feet of roof on one of our mill buildings, our amazing Roof Garden is the largest of its kind in Scotland and is one of our visitor highlights. It is open to visitors all year round and is the perfect location to enjoy a spectacular bird's-eye view of the surrounding natural scenery and the historic village. It is maintained with the generous support of our volunteers. Designed by Douglas Coltart, the garden and viewing platform offer splendid, seasonally changing views. The garden's patterns of gentle curves and swirls, reflect the turning arc of the great water-wheels which once powered the cotton-mills, and the flowing lines of the threads moving through the historic machinery as the yarn was spun, twisted, wound, and woven. Plants were chosen which would be able to stand the high winds experienced at 350 feet above sea level - yew, hornbeam, thistle, allium, and honeysuckle. In 2025, the garden is 17 years old and is in the process of being replanted in line with the original plans. The Roof Garden is part of the New Lanark World Heritage Site, and will be accessible via the Hotel on the specific open days

Directions: New Lanark is one mile south of Lanark and around an hour from Glasgow (M74/A72) and Edinburgh (A70). From the south, the village is 30 mins from M74 Junction 13/Abington - main trunk road to Edinburgh.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: COVEY 50%

Cotton of Craig

Kilry, Blairgowrie PH11 8HW
Nick Joy and Nici Rymer

Saturday/Sunday, 9/10 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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An old walled garden, partially under redesign, with fruit house containing espaliered peach, apricot and cherry trees, herbaceous borders, vegetable garden, greenhouse and specimen trees and shrubs. A robot mower keeps the grass in order. There is also a waterfall walk to explore.

Directions: From Perth take the A94 to Coupar Angus and just before Meigle take the B954 and follow signs to Glen Isla for approximately four miles until you see the Garden Open signs on the right, where there is a left turn signposted Kilry. From Dundee take the A923 to Muirhead then the B954 to Meigle, turn right up B954 and follow signs as above. Limited parking on the road and up the drive.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: RNLI 60%

Cloan

by Auchterarder PH3 1PP
Neil Mitchison

Sunday 10 August, 10am - 5pm (2025)

267

T:07958 155831 E:niall@fastmail.co.uk

Two acres of wild garden, with a wide variety of rhododendrons and azaleas, and an impressive collection of trees, including metasequoia, cryptomeria, Acer cappadocicum, Sequoia sempervirens, Quercus robur ‘Filicifolia’, liriodendron, several Japanese maples, magnificent beech and Scots pine trees, and extensive yew topiary; also an acre of walled garden with embothriums, Acer griseum, several sorbus varieties, parrotia and a large herbaceous border. Fine views of Strathearn from the front of the house.

Directions: From the A823, just south of the A9, follow the small road heading north east, signposted Duchally. Continue for approximately 2½ miles, turn right at the sign Coulshill. Continue for just under ½ mile. Follow the signs for car parking.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Tiphereth Limited: Camphill Scotland 60%

Braehead Community Garden

Broom Road, Braehead FK7 7GU
Nikki Thomas, Development Officer

Sunday 10 August, 11am - 4pm (2025)

2c57

E:garden@braehead.org

Braehead Community Garden is an 11,000 square metre outdoor space, enjoying a direct view of Stirling Castle. Dedicated to fostering a vibrant, connected community that thrives with healthy and happy residents, we encourage people to grow their own produce and we sell our own home grown crops back to the community at an affordable price. At the heart of our mission is the belief that physical and mental well-being are intricately tied to the environment and socio-economic circumstances we live in and how better than to combine locally-grown food with the fun and exercise that comes with being a member of a garden! Our garden is an essential local hub for social interaction, exercise, and a sense of pride and belonging within our diverse membership. We offer an array of activities and facilities, including 126 micro allotments for hire, a communal toolshed, an apiary producing local honey, a large polytunnel for social events, a maintenance workshop, a clubhouse, and free-range eggs from our resident chickens. Volunteering opportunities abound, including composting, maintenance, growing team (market garden) and looking after our hens and bees. From gardening to crafts, we offer advice, support and produce sales. Garden members can also benefit from peer mentoring and external training to enhance skills, knowledge, and confidence.

We have a multitude of nectar beds and wild spaces, ensuring we are giving back to our environment and supporting and encouraging local wildlife. Our extensive rain water harvesting system keeps the garden running whilst reducing our carbon footprint. Come along and experience our special place in the centre of historic Stirling - we have amazing views, lovely plants, flowers and wonderful cakes and chat!

Directions: From north on the A9 towards Bannockburn, take the first exit on Linden Avenue leading to Broom Road, turn right and the gardens are on the left. From south, on the A91 turn left on Pike Road leading to Broom Road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Braehead, Broomridge & District Community Development Trust 60%

Dalswinton Mill

Dalswinton DG2 0XY
Colin and Pamela Crosbie

Sunday 10 August, 11am - 5pm (2025)

3c7

T:01387 740070 E:colincrosbiehort@btinternet.com

A newly-created, plantsman’s garden set around an 18th-century watermill with the Pennyland Burn running through it. The garden contains a wide range of perennials, trees and shrubs that favour the local climate and have been planted during the last few years. A variety of statuary can be found throughout the garden which sits in a hollow and can be only accessed by steps and there are slopes throughout the garden. Unfortunately, this makes the garden unsuitable for anyone with mobility requirements.

Directions: Garden lies in Dalswinton, halfway between the A76 and the A701 on the Auldgirth to Kirkton Road. From Auldgirth take the first left after the Dalswinton Village Hall. The Mill is on the corner before the bridge. We are unable to offer disabled parking.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Loch Arthur 60%

Heatherwick Farm

Kintore, Inverurie AB51 0UQ
Lucy and Joe Narducci

Sunday 10 August, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

2c5

Our garden is mainly open and spacious but with distinct zones created over the last decade to serve different purposes. By summer 2025 we hope to have finished a dedicated herb garden with ambitions of Mediterranean vibes. Densely-packed perennial borders dominate in the front, while an evergreen shrubbery occupies the back. Our busy, rustic vegetable garden is designed to be pretty as well as productive and the apple orchard and wild paddock are meant for wandering. With its open nature and many seats, the garden is accessible to all.

Directions: Please use postcode AB51 0RQ for SatNav and the location as per the map on Scotland's Gardens Scheme's webpage. From Inverurie centre, take the B9001 southwards. At the corner of St Mary's Place and St James's Place follow signs for Keithhall. Then follow signs for Balbithan. Heatherwick is signposted and on the left after Hogholm Stables. It is three miles from the centre of Inverurie.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Myeloma UK 60%

North Newton Farm

Kilmacolm PA13 4TE
Carole Cameron

Sunday 10 August, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

2c67

E:carole.cameron100@btinternet.com

In six years, the new owners have transformed North Newton Farm garden. 'No straight lines' and 'any colour so long as it is pink, purple, blue or white' are the guidelines. Many 'finds' abandoned by the previous owners in and around the barns have been repurposed under the 'let's use what we have' philosophy. To suit the topography, the garden now has cultivated and wilder parts with stunning views. Many climbing plants and herbaceous borders surround the wildlife pond below a rockery. A small wooded area provides a lovely view. A Victorian style greenhouse and cold frames flank stone-built raised beds in a fruit and vegetable garden. The resident goats, chickens and donkeys provide ample fertiliser.

Directions: Take the B786 Lochwinnoch road out of Kilmacolm and continue for approximately two miles. From Lochwinnoch take the B786 Kilmacolm road for approximately six miles. Turn up the road signposted to Killochries at this point following the yellow SGS signs.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Pancreatic Cancer Action 60%

Fernlea Garden

Corvisel Road, Newton Stewart DG8 6LW
Mrs Jenny Gustafson

Homemade teas available on 10th August. Teas can be provided for 'by arrangement' visitors (2025)

2c6

T:07909 951885/ 01671 638273 E:floralbasket@proton.me

A secluded town garden of a third-of-an-acre, it was created in 2006 to complement a new house. There are many rare and unusual trees and shrubs. Two herbaceous borders, one with hot colours and the other pastels. A Chinese-inspired corner, small pond, fruit trees including a Galloway pippin apple and soft fruit. The upper part of the garden is hidden behind a tall beech hedge, where there is a summer house and adjacent woodland planting.

Directions: Turn right at the roundabout on the A75 if coming from Dumfries direction. Go left at the cattle market (opposite the Crown Hotel) and it is the first through road on the right.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: GDI: red squirrels, East Wigtownshire 60%

The Milton of Campsie Community Garden

Antermony Road G66 8DB

Sunday 10 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:07958 760169

The community garden in Milton of Campsie is the creation of one man, covering roughly an acre of hillside beside the Glazert Water. A small beach area where otters and kingfishers can be spotted, is a great place for children to play at the water's edge or for water-loving dogs. The garden was conceived as a memorial garden and as you walk through the willow tunnel to the various sections you will come across memorandum and dedications. With no shortage of relaxing seating areas you can sit and enjoy the children's lawn (created for the local nursery) complete with a miniature gypsy caravan with inside fittings, or the ancient ruin with its chimney and barbecue. Children will enjoy running over the two bridges that cross the water lily pond (they may even spot a newt). The variety and ingenuity make this an unmissable garden.

Directions: From Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch follow signs to Milton of Campsie and then follow the yellow SGS signs.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Cancer Research UK 60%

Stobwood Cottage Garden

Stobwood Cottage, Stobwood, Forth, South Lanarkshire ML11 8ET
Jamie and Kayleigh Robertson

Saturday/Sunday, 16/17 August, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

2c57

T:07885701642 E:jamierobertson04@hotmail.co.uk

A four-times winner of West Lothian Gardener of the year, Jamie invites you to Stobwood Cottage. In just four years he has established a hugely impressive garden in the South Lanarkshire countryside. Just shy of half an acre, colour dominates this garden. Wide herbaceous borders surround a velvet lawn. Stunning hanging baskets and tubs clothe the front of the cottage and are dotted around elsewhere. There is also a feature pond with a bridge, a cacti house, a polytunnel growing corn, pumpkins and squashes plus there is a productive vegetable plot to explore. A must for those less-experienced gardeners, and a delight for those who have a little more knowledge.

Directions: Travelling from the South, 1.5 miles north of Braehead on the B7016. From the North, turn off the A706 onto the B7016 at Wilsontown.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Braehead Village Trust 60%

Bannockburn House Gardens

Stirling FK7 8EY
Bannockburn House Trust

Sunday 17 August, 10am - 4pm (2025)

2c67

T:07980284027 E:gardens@bannockburnhouse.scot

W:www.bannockburnhouse.scot

Bannockburn House, an A-listed mansion built in 1675 by Sir Hugh Paterson, now sits in 26 acres of woodland and gardens. Bonnie Prince Charlie visited in 1746 where he met Clementina Walkinshaw who would become his mistress. Local boy, John McLaren, creator of The Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, began his gardening career here in 1860. The house and gardens suffered from 50 years of neglect before coming into community ownership in 2017 with restoration ongoing. Features include an enclosed kitchen garden supplying fruit and vegetables to two local food banks; herb gardens, an orchard, fruit cages, pollinator garden, wisteria border, labyrinth, polytunnels and raised beds. A short woodland walk passes 'The Five Sisters' - our fabulous giant redwood trees; the Fountain Walk passes our veteran lime trees, a cast-iron fountain (built by Steven in 1888 ), and our award-winning apiary. On 17th August, short tours of the house will also be available - they must be booked online in advance through the Bannockburn House website. The gardens can be viewed by arrangement through July to end September.

Directions: The house entrance is 0.2 miles from the Bannockburn Interchange (M9/Junction 9 roundabout) off the A91.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Bannockburn House Trust 60%

Glensaugh

Glensaugh Lodge, Fettercairn, Laurencekirk AB30 1HB
Donald and Sue Barrie

Sunday 17 August, 1:30pm - 4:30pm (2025)

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The twenty-year development of the hillside garden at Glensaugh, with its fine outlook over the Howe of the Mearns, continues as lawn evolves into wildflower meadow and borders are replanted. Trees, species rhododendrons and other shrubs provide year-round interest while herbaceous planting extends colour into the autumn. Yew hedges and well-placed natural stone give structure in the lower garden where a productive kitchen garden and polytunnel exist alongside informal borders and a sunken pond.

Directions: Three miles north of Fettercairn on the B974, turn right at the Clatterin Brig and follow minor road signed Glensaugh for ½ mile, then turn right into the Glensaugh farm steading (parking) and follow beech avenue from the steading to Glensaugh Lodge.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Kincardine And Deeside Befriending 60%

Glenarn Plant Sale

Glenarn Road, Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LL
Michael and Sue Thornley

Sunday 17 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

2c6

Magnolias, rhododendrons, maples, meconopsis and other ericaceous plants raised by cuttings from Glenarn plants or from specialist seed exchanges plus lots of other interesting plants. Homemade scones and teas will be served.

Directions: On the A814, two miles north of Helensburgh, up Pier Road. Cars to be left at the gate unless passengers have limited mobility.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Rhu and Shandon Parish Church of Scotland: Tower Appeal 50%

Kirklands

Saline KY12 9TS
Peter and Gill Hart

Sunday 17 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

2c467

T:07787 115477 E:peter@kirklandsgarden.co.uk

W:www.kirklandsgarden.co.uk

Kirklands, built in 1832, has been the Hart family home for 48 years. Over the years we have created a garden. The walled garden was reinstated from a paddock to include terracing and raised beds. In 2023 we introduced two bee hives. The woodland garden comes into life in February with snowdrops followed, over the months, by bluebells, hellebores, trilliums, fritillaries, rhododendrons, meconopsis, candelabra primulas and irises. The rockery displays dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas. The herbaceous borders reach their peak in the summer, continuing into early autumn with a display of bright yellow rudbeckia, verbena and echinacea. Down by the Saline Burn there are 30 species of primula in all colours of the rainbow. Over the red or blue bridge there are 20 acres of naturally regenerating woodland with a pathway by the stream. To keep the grandchildren occupied, Peter built a tree house, climbing frame and rope swing, though we hope they will take an interest in gardening too!

Directions: Junction 4, M90, then B914. Parking in the centre of the village, then a short walk to the garden. Limited disabled parking at Kirklands.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Saline & Steelend Gardening Club 60%

Grow Cook Inspire

125 Ormonde Avenue, Netherlee, Glasgow G44 3SN
Helen Cross

Sunday 17 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

8469

Join Scottish presenter, school gardening champion and author Helen Cross in her own garden on the southside of Glasgow, which inspired her first book, Grow Cook Inspire. Helen's small but mighty garden, is a haven for wildlife and biodiversity and her garden illustrates that you don't have to have acres of land to be able to grow a wide range of fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and also have space to entertain friends and family. It is a garden jam packed with personality, colour and vibrancy and you'll leave feeling uplifted come rain or shine.

Directions: Park on Ormonde Avenue or Ormonde Drive. Enter through the back gate, via the back lane, opposite from Netherlee and Stamperland Church. Follow the SGS yellow road signs.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Scottish Action for Mental Health 60%

Dundonnell House

Little Loch Broom, Wester Ross IV23 2QW
Dundonnell Estates

Thursday 21 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

6e7

T:07789 390028 E:sueandwill@icloud.com

Camellias, magnolias and bulbs in spring, rhododendrons and laburnum walk in this ancient walled garden. Exciting planting gives all year round interest, centred around one of the oldest yew trees in Scotland. A water sculpture, unique Victorian glass house, riverside walk, arboretum - all in the valley below the peaks of An Teallach.
Champion Trees: Yew and Holly

Directions: Turn off the A835 at Braemore on to the A832. After 11 miles take the Badralloch turn for a ½ mile.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Médecins Sans Frontières 30% & Environmental Investigation Agency 30%

Quercus Garden Plants

Whitmuir Farm, West Linton EH46 7BB
Rona Dodds

Sunday 24 August, 10am - 5pm (2025)

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T:01968 660708 E:quercusgardenplants@gmail.com

W:www.quercusgardenplants.co.uk

We are a small, independent nursery growing and selling a wide range of happy, healthy plants propagated from our nursery gardens. At just under two acres, these gardens were started in 2015 to show visitors and customers what can be grown in our conditions here on a north-west-facing hill at 850 feet above sea level. Explore our herb garden, scented garden, wildlife garden, prairie-style garden, winter garden and all the other inspirational smaller borders. Our new woodland garden opened in Spring 2023. Many of the plants seen in the gardens are available to buy in the nursery.

Directions: On the A701, four miles south of the Leadburn junction or two miles north of West Linton.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Breast Cancer Now 60%

Old Melrose

near Melrose TD6 9DF
William and Frankie Younger

Sunday 24 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

247k9

T:07811 389551 E:frankie.younger@btinternet.com

W:www.oldmelrose.co.uk

The charm of Old Melrose lies in its idyllic setting - a woodland peninsula surrounded on three sides by the River Tweed, the site that St Aidan chose to build a monastery in 640AD. With a wonderful array of plants, trees and wildlife, come and explore this conservation focused estate and connect with nature in its beautiful surroundings. A one-mile signed walk will be laid out through the private grounds taking in stunning viewpoints, wonderful mature specimen trees, riverside trails and a view of the 19th century summer house standing high above the river. Stop to contemplate on the spot where a chapel once stood dedicated to St Cuthbert. Finish in the Victorian walled garden where teas will be available. The garden features three distinct areas: a small orchard with bee hives, perennial wildflower planting and fruit, vegetable and flower beds. Be sure to say hello to the friendly Boer goats, the rare breed pigs and the free roaming chickens.

Directions: On the A68 between Melrose and St Boswells

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Royal Highland Education Trust 60%

Diadan

Madrissa Farm, Lamancha EH46 7BD
Vicki Masters

Sunday 24 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

2c679

Nestled in the corner of a sheep farm, this three-quarter acre garden has been steadily evolving since 2020. Formerly a derelict plot, it now features beautiful hard landscaping built from local stone, bounded by a new high stone wall with portholes which complement the wall of the old barn next door. The wide herbaceous border and long rockery at the front are planted for seasonal interest and provide a colourful entrance, whilst the rear has a more natural design with two large adjoining ponds, some tree planting, a willow tunnel and winding paths through a meadow … and for those with keen eyes, the occasional piece of sculpture awaits discovery.

Directions: On the A701 on left hand side coming from Edinburgh, about half a mile before Lamancha Hub.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Omaleshe Projects Trust 60%

Whitburgh House Walled Garden

Pathhead, Midlothian EH37 5SR
Mrs Elizabeth Salvesen

Sunday 24 August & Tuesday 26 August, 2:30pm - 5pm (2025)

035

E:eesal39@gmail.com

This contemporary, stylish one-acre walled garden, over 700 feet above sea level, is a lively forward-looking and unexpected gem. The solidity and graphic quality of clipped foliage act as a foil for the many perennials, grasses, annuals, fruit and vegetables. A spiral path leads through an acre of white birches. There is also a variety of ponds and fine sculptures spread around 14 acres of policies. Whitburgh garden has featured recently in Country Life and RHS ‘The Garden’ as well as other publications.

Directions: From the north - a half mile south of Pathhead on the A68 turn left and follow the SGS signs. From the south - one mile north of Blackshiels on the A68 turn right at the sign to Fala Dam and follow SGS signs. Whitburgh House is about two miles from either turn off and south east of Pathhead.

Admission: £7.00, children free

Charities: Horatio's Garden 60%

Little Sparta

Stonypath, Dunsyre ML11 8NG
Pantea Cameron

Tuesday 26 August & Tuesday 2 September, 1pm - 4pm (2025)

T:01899 810711 E:contact@littlesparta.org.uk

W:www.littlesparta.org.uk

Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art. Ian and Sue Finlay moved to the farm of Stonypath in 1966 and began to create what would become an internationally acclaimed garden across seven acres of a wild and exposed moorland site. Collaborating with stone carvers, letterers and other artists and poets, the numerous sculptures and artworks created by Finlay explore themes as diverse as the sea and its fishing fleets, our relationship to nature, classical antiquity, the French Revolution and the Second World War. Individual poetic and sculptural elements, in wood, stone and metal, are sited in relation to carefully structured landscaping and planting. Please note that there is a 700m uphill walk from the car park and livestock grazing in the fields. For visitors with limited mobility, it may be possible to book a space near the house; call the garden for details.

Directions: Check www.littlesparta.org.uk/visit/ for directions.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Little Sparta Trust 60%

Glenkindie House

Glenkindie, Alford AB33 8ST
Christopher and Camille Bently

Friday 29 August, 10am - 2pm (2025)

26

Glenkindie House is a 16th-century castle remodelled in the 1900s. The walled gardens are laid out in the Victorian Arts & Crafts style with herbaceous borders, a magnificent rhododendron shrubbery, specimen trees and rose beds. There is a fine collection of 19th-century yew topiary depicting teddy bears, chess pieces and characters from Alice in Wonderland. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll around the pond to view the 17th-century dovecot.

Directions: On the A97 Alford/Strathdon road, 12 miles west of Alford. Entrance to Glenkindie House is through the main gates, free parking available near the gardens.

Admission: £10.00, children free

Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 60%

Carnoustie's Tropical Garden

28 Prosen Bank, Carnoustie DD7 6GX
Colin Wilson

Saturday 30 August, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

246

A small tropical garden hidden in Carnoustie. You’ll find a small collection of palms, including the spectacular Brahea armata, 'Mexican Blue Palm', Chamaerops humilis cerifera, Trachycarpus fortunei, Trachycarpus wagerianus and Chamaerops vulcano. You’ll also be met by a stunning circular wall with a Brazilian slate seat to keep you cosy under the tree ferns, Musa basjoo, Tetrapanax papyrifer Rex and bamboos. The garden has elegant curves at every turn creating a botanical wonderland. A jungle curved path is surrounded by the tree ferns, Fatsia japonica and Zebra grasses. At the journey’s end you’ll find a beautiful Betula jacquemontii, Schefflera taiwaniana, tree ferns, Colocasia Pink China in a hidden sun trap patio, accessed through the enchanting moon gate.

Directions: Buses 73 & 73C from Dundee/Arbroath. Prosen Bank is found by a path via Newton Road. No parking in Prosen Bank. Parking at football pitches on Newton Road or in adjacent streets.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 60%

Quinn Garden

41 Morningside Drive, Edinburgh EH10 5LZ
Mrs Elizabeth Quinn

Saturday 30 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

2c469

W:https://joyfulgarden.co.uk

With its tranquil, oasis-like atmosphere, our family garden offers a peaceful escape from city life. In just two years, we've transformed this space from a concrete wasteland into a vibrant haven for both people and wildlife. Wander through areas alive with roses, dahlias, and verbena bonariensis, or find a cozy spot under the pergola to enjoy the sights and sounds of bees, butterflies, and birds. A beautiful wildlife pond attracts newts and frogs, adding to the garden's natural charm. During your visit, enjoy homemade cakes and explore a plant sale to take a piece of the garden home with you. A perfect place to relax and unwind, this little sanctuary invites you to pause and enjoy nature's beauty.

Directions: Buses 5,11,15,16,23,36. There is some on street parking.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Craigmillar Literacy Trust 60%

Horatio's Garden

National Spinal Unit, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF
Horatio's Garden

Sunday 31 August, 1pm - 4pm (2025)

2845

E:chelsea.lowe@horatiosgarden.org.uk

W:horatiosgarden.org.uk

Carefully created by acclaimed garden designer and RHS Judge, James Alexander-Sinclair, Horatio’s Garden Scotland opened in 2016 and nurtures the wellbeing of people affected by spinal injury from across the whole of Scotland, their loved ones and NHS staff. The gardens provide a peaceful horticultural haven. Horatio’s Garden Scotland features a half acre woodland garden awash with striking seasonal blooms and framed by a beautiful collection of Betula pendula trees, as well as artfully planted borders, vibrant courtyard garden, gorgeous garden room, fragrant glasshouse and much more. There’s plenty to explore in this thoughtful, therapeutic garden; one which rarely opens to the public and is unusually nestled right in the heart of a Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS hospital.

Directions: From the east or west of the city: on the M8 motorway to Junction 25, follow signs for the Clyde Tunnel (A739) for ¾ mile, then follow signs for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Turn left into Govan Road and the hospital is on the left. From north of the River Clyde: go through the Clyde Tunnel (A739) and follow signs for the hospital. Please look at our website for the hospital estate map for directions to the garden and available parking.

Admission: £7.00, children free

Charities: Horatio's Garden 60%

3 Millhall

Shore Road, Kirkcudbright DG6 4TQ
Mr Alan Shamash

Sunday 31 August, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:01557 870352 E:shamash@freeuk.com

Impressive five-acre garden with a large collection of mature shrubs, including over 200 rhododendron species, many camellias, magnolias including campbellii, embothriums, telopeas, perennials, over 200 hydrangeas and many other rare Southern Hemisphere plants. The garden has several interesting paths and is on a hillside running along the rocky shore of the Dee Estuary in Kirkcudbright Bay.

Directions: On the B727 between Kirkcudbright and Borgue on the west shore of the Dee Estuary. Parking at Dhoon Beach public car park, about three miles south of Kirkcudbright. There is a five-minute walk to the house. Please note there will be no vehicular access to 3 Millhall and all visitors should park at Dhoon Beach and walk up to the property.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer's Research UK 60%

Oldtown of Leys Garden

Inverness IV2 6AE
David and Anne Sutherland

Open daily (closed Thursday and Friday 1 May - 31 October), 8am - 8pm. (2025)

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T:01463 238238 E:ams@oldtownofleys.com

Established in 2003, on the outskirts of Inverness, with views over the town, this large garden of three acres has year-round interest. Spring rhododendrons and azaleas, summer herbaceous plantings, autumn trees and shrubs and winter appeal from the conifers, evergreens and structures. Features include a rockery, ponds, musical instruments, a stumpery and a new area of late summer colour.

Directions: Turn off Southern Distributor road (B8082) at Leys roundabout towards Inverarnie (B861). At the T-junction turn right. After 50 metres turn right into Oldtown of Leys.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 30% & Highland Hospice 30%

Burgie Arboretum

Between Forres and Elgin IV36 2QU
Hamish Lochore

Open daily, 8am - 5pm (2025)

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T:01343 850231 E:hamish@burgie.org

A rare opportunity to see a sizeable woodland garden/arboretum in its infancy. It has a good collection of rhododendrons, Sorbus, alder, birch and Tilia but also includes many unusual trees from around the world. The arboretum is zoned into geographic areas and species type. It includes a Japanese Garden, bog garden, bog wood, loch and quarry garden. First created in 2005 and is ongoing. Most plants are grown from hand-collected seed and propagated in the Georgian greenhouse.

Directions: A96 between Forres and Elgin. Four miles east of Forres. Six miles west of Elgin. Sign to Burgie Mains along the A96 is set in wrought iron decorated with horses and cattle. South off the main road and one mile to the Woodland Garden car park.

Admission: by donation

Charities: World Horse Welfare 30% & Sandpiper Trust 30%

Glenapp Castle

Ballantrae, Girvan KA26 0NZ
Mr Paul Szkiler

Open daily, dawn - dusk (2025)

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T:01465 831212 E:info@glenappcastle.com

W:www.glenappcastle.com

The 36-acre grounds at Glenapp Castle are secluded and private. Many rare and unusual plants and shrubs can be found, including magnificent specimen rhododendrons. Paths meander round the azalea pond, through established woodland leading to the wonderful walled garden with a 150-foot Victorian glasshouse. Fresh herbs and fruit from the garden are used every day in the castle kitchen. Much of the gardens were designed by Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932), the world-famous garden designer, applying the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement, who worked in collaboration with Edwin Lutyens. A new walk has been created opening up the Glen, where Glenapp’s Champion Trees will be found.
Champion Trees: Abies cilicica, Cercidiphyllum japonicum and Picea likiangensis

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00192

Directions: From the north take the A77 south. Pass through Ballantrae, crossing the River Stinchar as you leave. Take the first turning on the right, 100 yards beyond the river (not signposted). From the south take the A77 north, turn left 100 yards before the bridge over Stinchar at Ballantrae. The castle gates are one mile along this road.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Angus's Garden, Barguillean

Taynuilt PA35 1HY
The Josephine Marshall Trust

Open daily, 9am - dusk (2025)

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T:01866 822333 E:info@barguillean.co.uk

W:www.barguillean.co.uk

Created in 1957 as a memorial garden by Betty Macdonald of Barguillean for her son Angus, this picturesque nine-acre woodland garden is set around the tranquil shores of Loch Angus in historic Glen Lonan. Whilst famous for its extensive collection of hybrid rhododendrons and azaleas, this glorious garden cleverly retains the natural atmosphere of the landscape. Visitors can enjoy an informal network of paths, lined with spring flowering shrubs and bulbs, through native woodland and by shoreland whilst surrounded by the magnificent views of Ben Cruachan and the mountains of Glen Etive. This unspoilt natural setting attracts a wide range of wildlife, and the eleven-acre loch is home to swans and ducks. On the north-west side of the garden overlooking the loch stands Betty's bell paying tribute to her 40 years of work creating this magical garden. The garden reaches its full glory between April and the end of June but is a place of special tranquillity and charm at all times of the year. Three marked, circular walks from the car park taking between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. Not suitable for wheelchairs.

Directions: Off A85 Crianlarich/Oban road at Taynuilt, road marked Glen Lonan, three miles up a single track road, turn right at the sign opposite Barguillean Farm.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: SSAFA Forces Help 60%

King's Park Walled Garden

Kings Park, 325 Carmunnock Road, Glasgow G44 5HL
Friends of King's Park

Open daily, 9am - 4:45pm. Admission is free but donations to Scotland's Gardens Scheme are welcome. (2025)

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E:contactus@friendsofkingsparkglasgow.co.uk

W:friendsofkingsparkglasgow.co.uk

The C-listed walled garden within King's Park would have served as a kitchen garden for the original James Hamilton estate in the 18th century, with colourful beds and borders and fruit trees. In recent years, Friends of King's Park have adopted the garden from Glasgow City Council with the aim of reinstating it to its former glory. The garden is split into quarters, two of which the Friends have planted with trees, shrubs, perennials and spring bulbs between 2022 and 2023. The east-facing bed has been planted with weeping cherry trees, underplanted with a selection of bulbs and a variety of perennials. The north-facing bed has a row of beautiful cherry trees. The south-facing wall will showcase cordons of a range of fruiting trees, which the Friends extended over winter 2023. We aim to further enrich the experience of visiting this garden and as a charitable organisation, will continue to raise funds to fully restore the walled garden.
Champion Trees: Yew trees (in main King's Park)

Directions: Free on-street parking is available in all streets surrounding the park. King's Park is accessible by public transport: buses 5 and 31 for the Carmunnock Road entrances, 34 and 75 for the Menock Road entrance. King's Park train station is a two-minute walk from the Menock Road entrance.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Ardmaddy Castle

by Oban PA34 4QY
Mr and Mrs Archie Struthers

Open daily, 9am - 6pm (2025)

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T:01852 300353 E:minette@ardmaddy.com

W:www.ardmaddy.com

The gardens lie in a truly spectacular setting in the centre of a horseshoe bay, sheltered by mixed mature wooded hills and the castle atop a volcanic mound. The 18th-century walled garden has been much restored and improved over the last 50 years, hence its well-earned reputation as a plantsman's garden for all seasons.

In addition to the magnificent rhododendron collection, it is now also home to many rare and unusual shrubs and plants. These all sit alongside productive fruit and vegetable beds, all given formal structure by dwarf box hedges . The walled garden is flanked by shrub lined avenues bordering the burn, leading to woodland walks and a water garden. Don't miss the 60 foot Hydrangea petiolaris on Lady Murray's Walk and the towering stand of gunnera next to the ponds. The latest additions in an always-evolving garden are new medicinal herb beds and the beginning s of a new arboretum in the old orchard area.

Directions: Take the A816 south of Oban for eight miles. Turn right onto the B844 to Seil Island/Easdale. Four miles on, turn left to Ardmaddy (signposted) and follow for a further two miles.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Ardkinglas Woodland Garden

Cairndow PA26 8BG
Ardkinglas Estate

Open daily, dawn - dusk (2025)

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T:01499 600261

W:www.ardkinglas.com

In a peaceful setting overlooking Loch Fyne, the garden contains one of the finest collections of rhododendrons and conifers in Britain. This includes the mightiest conifer in Europe - a silver fir - as well as many other Champion Trees. There is a gazebo with a unique scriptorium based around a collection of literary quotes. For younger visitors, the garden features a Fairy Trail, Gruffalo Trail and Snakey Slide. It is a VisitScotland 3-star garden.
Champion Trees: The mightiest conifer in Europe and others.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00022

Directions: Entrance through Cairndow village off the A83 Loch Lomond/Inveraray road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Highland Liliums

10 Loaneckheim, Kiltarlity IV4 7JQ
Laura Evans

Open daily, 9am - 5pm. Admission is free but donations to Scotland's Gardens Scheme are welcome. (2025)

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T:01463 741698 E:shop@highlandliliums.co.uk

W:www.highlandliliums.co.uk

Highland Liliums is a working retail nursery with spectacular views over the Beauly valley and Strathfarrar hills. A wide selection of home-grown plants are available including alpines, ferns, grasses, herbaceous, herbs, liliums, primulas and shrubs.

Directions: Signposted from Kiltarlity Village, which is just off the Beauly to Drumnadrochit road (A833), approximately 12 miles from Inverness.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Raasay Walled Garden

Isle of Raasay IV40 8PB
Raasay Community

Open daily, 9am - 7pm (2025)

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T:07939 106426 E:raasaywalledgarden@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram

W:Raasay.com/the-walled-garden-raasay

Accessed from the road behind Raasay House, just a 10 minute walk from the Ferry Terminal, is the Category A listed community owned walled garden. Visited by Boswell and Johnson in 1773, the garden suffered neglect before coming into community ownership. Ongoing restoration began in 2013 and the 1.43 acre garden now supplies vegetables, fruit, salad, herbs and cut flowers to the community and visitors. Features an orchard, rose beds, polytunnels, a fruit cage, wildflowers for pollinators and insects, and plenty of seats. We have a composting toilet for visitors' use. June to August provide the most colourful time and our main produce harvests take place from May to September. We run events during the year - please check our Facebook page for details. The garden isn't always staffed, so please contact us for further details.

Directions: Take the Calmac Ferry to Raasay (20 minute journey) from Sconser, between Broadford and Portree on the Isle of Skye. The garden is an easy walk from the terminal and there is plenty to do and see on Raasay on foot, although cars can also cross.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Achnacloich

Connel, Oban PA37 1PR
Mr T M Nelson

Open daily, 10am - 4pm (2025)

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T:01631 710223 or Gardener David Field 07929 336217 E:davefield6@hotmail.co.uk & cassandhu@gmail.com

The 20-acre woodland garden overlooking Loch Etive has been planted over the last century with a wide range of trees and shrubs from Asia, China, Japan, North America, Chile and New Zealand. Many have grown to considerable size. The light woodland canopy consists of native oaks and a number of magnificent 150-year-old Scots pines and European larch. Amongst these are open glades, carpeted with bluebells and numerous other bulbs. Two ponds and streams are planted with primulas, iris species, lysichitum, and astilbes. The woodland contains innumerable species of rhododendron and azalea, of which the triflorums and yunnanense are outstanding. Amongst these are species of acer, betula, camellia, cercidiphyllum, cornus, crinodendron, drimys, embothrium, enkianthus, eucryphia, hoheria, magnolia, malus, nothofagus, pieris, sorbus, stewartia, telopea and viburnum. Beside the house is a giant Douglas fir from Douglas' original introduction. One of the first Dawyck beeches stands beside the drive. Fine autumn colours.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00007

Directions: On the A85 two miles east of Connel. The car park is at the bottom of the drive.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support 60%

Cambo Gardens

Kingsbarns KY16 8QD
Trustees of Cambo Heritage Trust

Open all year round. Cafe, gift shop and plants for sale throughout the year. Check our website for events throughout the year. (2025)

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T:01333 451040 E:hello@cambogardens.org.uk

W:https://www.cambogardens.org.uk/

Best known for snowdrops (mail order February), but exciting throughout the year, this Victorian walled garden features constantly evolving, magnificent herbaceous borders featuring rare and unusual plants, many of which are propagated for sale at Cambo. The garden is renowned too for its tulips and a stunning rose collection. Outside the main garden an inspiring Winter Garden and North American Prairie continue to be developed. Woodland walks to the sea.
National Plant Collection: Galanthus
Champion Trees: Bundle Beech

Directions: A917 between Crail and St Andrews.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Ardtornish

by Lochaline, Morvern PA80 5UZ
Mrs John Raven

Open daily, 10am - 6pm (2025)

867k

W:www.ardtornish.co.uk

Ardtornish Estate spreads out around Loch Aline, a huge, wooded, U-shaped bay, a natural haven. Wonderful gardens of interesting mature conifers, rhododendrons, deciduous trees, shrubs and herbaceous plantings, set amid magnificent scenery. Much of the garden is covered by native birch, alongside extensive planting of exotic species, under mature groups of larch, firs and pine, whose strong form and colour complement the pink sandstone towers and gables of Ardtornish House.

Directions: Three miles from Lochaline along the A884.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

The Hidden Gardens

25a Albert Drive, Glasgow G41 2PE
The Hidden Gardens Trust

Please check the garden's website for up-to-date opening details and events. (2025)

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T:0141 433 2722 E:info@thehiddengardens.org.uk

W:thehiddengardens.org.uk

The multi-award winning gardens have been designed to reflect the legacy of this historic site as well as the ever-changing character and needs of the local area. The north to south borders echo the layout of the site when it was a nursery in the 1800s, supplying trees and shrubs to major gardens in Scotland, whilst the retained tramlines and the chimney reflect its industrial past. A number of artworks are integrated into the overall design, for example Alec Finlay’s Xylotheque, a library of wooden books detailing 17 native Scottish trees. The Hidden Gardens is an independent charity offering learning and social activities and opportunities for the whole community to participate in its development. It is a calm, green space where you can relax away from the busy city streets: take a meditative walk along the square route path around the formal lawn; brush past the aromatic herb border; admire the white wall border with its herbaceous plantings and espalier fruit trees; stroll through the wildlife area; connect with nature in the woodland glade; and enjoy the naturalistic planting of the grassy or wild flower meadows or buy some young plants propagated here. Volunteer-led guided tours are available to book during most of the year, for free.

Directions: Travel directions are available on the garden's website thehiddengardens.org.uk/explore/visit/

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

The Japanese Garden at Cowden

Dollar, Clackmannanshire FK14 7PL
Cowden SCIO

Mainly open throughout the year from 10:30am - 5pm but you should check the garden website for winter closures and changes to opening times. (2025)

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E:sales@cowdengarden.com

W:www.cowdengarden.com

Created in 1908, The Japanese Garden at Cowden is listed as an important example of its type in Western Europe. Nestled beneath the Ochil Hills the seven-acre garden wraps around a large pond. Enjoy the meandering walk by the water, taking in the changing scenes created by sculpted landforms, carefully placed stones, clipped shrubs and original stone lanterns. Picnic area, woodland, shop and cafe. Please check the garden's website for all admission information.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00402

Directions: The entrance to the garden is from the Upper Hillfoots Road, about half a mile west from the junction with the A91.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Mellerstain

Mellerstain House and Gardens, Gordon TD3 6LG
Gill Harrop, Administrator

Open daily, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:01573 410225 E:enquiries@mellerstain.com

W:www.mellerstain.com

Mellerstain will be hosting three special open days to celebrate the garden and grounds at their finest. In February carpets of snowdrops spread throughout the grounds, followed by the glorious colour of rhododendrons and azaleas at the end of May, and finishing with stunning autumn colours in late October. 100 acres of mature parkland, formal gardens and lakeside walks set off this Robert Adam masterpiece. The formal gardens to the south of the house were designed in 1910 by Sir Reginald Blomfield in an Italianate style sympathetic to the earlier 18th century layout. These beautiful terraces with herbaceous borders and yew trees lead to lower terraces via a cryptoporticus, and then a sweeping expanse of lawn descends to the lake. Among the sturdy oaks and majestic beeches in the north parkland, you’ll find an enchanting tiny thatched cottage discreetly tucked away with its own parterre garden. A map is available of the woodland and lakeside walks, picnic spots are available and the cafe is open during the summer season. Look out for the Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep too!

Directions: The house is signposted on the A6089 Kelso-Gordon road. The approach from the A68 Jedburgh-Edinburgh road is through Earlston on the A6105, then via the B6397 towards Smailholm.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Bught Lane, Inverness IV3 5SS
Pamela Sutherland

3 January - 21 December, 9:30am - 4pm (2025)

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T:01463 701019 E:inverness.botanics@highlifehighland.com

W:highlifehighland.com/inverness-botanicgardens/

We are the most northerly botanic gardens in the UK and host a wide variety of plants, shrubs and trees with year-round interest. There is a large Tropical House and a Cactus House with plants from around the globe. In spring come to see our bulb displays, in summer our herbaceous borders and specimen trees, in autumn for late herbaceous and leaf colour and in winter for evergreens, specimen trees in flower and those with wonderful bark. The GROW Project is also housed within our gardens which is run by a special needs group, it has an allotment, herbaceous borders, wildflower areas, ponds, children's play areas and much, much more! There is a lovely cafe onsite serving soups, sandwiches and cakes alongside local artworks and plants. We are a charity and so the entry is free with donation boxes to be found inside the cafe.

Directions: From Inverness city centre follow signs to Drumnadrochit. Then follow the brown signs to the Leisure Centre (turn left at the Cemetery before the canal).

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Gordon Castle Walled Garden

Fochabers, Moray IV32 7PQ
Angus and Zara Gordon Lennox

Please check the garden's website for seasonal opening details (2025)

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T:01343 612317 E:info@gordoncastlescotland.com

W:www.gordoncastle.co.uk

At almost eight acres in size, Gordon Castle has one of the oldest and largest walled gardens in Britain. Lovingly restored to its former glory with a modern design by award-winning designer Arne Maynard, this beautiful garden is overflowing with vegetables, fruit, herbs, and cut flowers. The onsite cafe has a ‘Plant, Pick, Plate’ ethos using wonderful fresh produce grown in the garden. There is a children's natural play area and shop.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00198

Directions: The main entrance is at the western end of the village of Fochabers, just off the A96, nine miles east of Elgin and 12 miles west of Keith.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Abriachan Garden Nursery

Loch Ness Side IV3 8LA
Mr and Mrs Davidson

1 February - 30 November, 9am - 7pm (2025)

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T:01463 861232 E:info@lochnessgarden.com

W:www.lochnessgarden.com

This is an outstanding garden with over four acres of exciting plantings with winding paths through native woodlands. Seasonal highlights include snowdrops, hellebores, primulas, meconopsis, hardy geraniums and colour-themed summer beds. Views over Loch Ness.

Directions: On the A82 Inverness/Drumnadrochit road, about nine miles south of Inverness.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Highland Hospice 60%

Logan Botanic Garden

Port Logan, by Stranraer DG9 9ND
A Regional Garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Open daily 1 March - 15 November, 10am - 5pm (4pm in November). Admission details can be found on the garden's website. (2025)

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T:01776 860231 E:logan@rbge.org.uk

W:www.rbge.org.uk/logan

Logan Botanic Garden lies at the south-western tip of Scotland, unrivalled as ‘Scotland’s Most Exotic Garden’. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, a remarkable collection of southern hemisphere plants flourish, making this a plantsman’s paradise. Logan enjoys an almost subtropical climate where the garden's avenues and borders feature a spectacular and colourful array of half-hardy perennials. The garden is warmed by the Gulf Stream which enables plants from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America and Southern Africa to thrive. Voted ‘Best Garden in the UK’ 2021, Logan promises a delightful day out for all.
National Plant Collection: Gunnera, Leptospermum, Griselinia, Clianthus and Sutherlandia
Champion Trees: Polylepis and Eucalyptus

Directions: Ten miles south of Stranraer on the A716 then 2½ miles from Ardwell Village.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Board Of Trustees Of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 60%

Abbotsford

Melrose TD6 9BQ
The Abbotsford Trust

1 March - 31 December, March, November and December 10am - 4pm, 1 April - 31 October 10am - 5pm. (2025)

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T:01896 752043 E:enquiries@scottsabbotsford.co.uk

W:www.scottsabbotsford.com

The garden was designed by Sir Walter Scott with advice from artists, architects and friends. It is a rare surviving example of a Regency garden layout and completely different from the English landscape garden style of Capability Brown. Scott’s garden aims to provide a harmonious transition between the luxury and comfort of the interiors of the house with wonders of nature in the wider estate through a series of secluded, richly detailed and sheltered ‘rooms’. In its day it would have showcased the latest plants discovered from around the globe, both in its borders and ‘stove houses’. Regular tours are held exploring Scott’s vision for the garden and the hidden meanings of its design. Check the Abbotsford website for details.

Directions: Off the A6091 near Melrose. Buses X62 and 72 from Edinburgh and Peebles. Train from Waverley to Tweedbank. Minibus or one-mile walk from train station.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Kinlochlaich Walled Garden

Appin PA38 4BD
Miss F M M Hutchison

3 March - 31 October, 10am - 4pm (2025)

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T:07881 525754 E:fionakinlochlaich@gmail.com

W:www.kinlochlaichgardencentre.co.uk

Octagonal walled garden incorporating a large Nursery Garden Centre with a huge variety of plants growing and for sale. Bluebell woodland walk and spring garden. Many rhododendrons, azaleas, trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, including many unusual ones such as embothrium, davidia, stewartia, magnolia, eucryphia and tropaeolum. A quarter of the interior of the walled garden is borders packed with many unusual and interesting plants, espaliered fruit trees, and with an ancient yew in the centre, and another quarter is vegetable growing.

Directions: On the A828 in Appin between Oban, 18 miles to the south, and Fort William, 27 miles to the north. The entrance is next to the police station. Infrequent bus Oban to Fort William - request stop.

Admission: by donation

Charities: The Appin Village Hall 30% & Down's Syndrome Scotland: West of Scotland Branch 30%

Braco Castle

Braco FK15 9LA
Mr and Mrs M van Ballegooijen

12 March - 31 October, 10am - 5pm (2025)

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T:01786 880437

A 19th-century landscaped garden with a plethora of wonderful and interesting trees, shrubs, bulbs and plants. An old garden for all seasons that has been extensively expanded over the last 35 years. The partly-walled garden is approached on a rhododendron and tree-lined path featuring an ornamental pond. Spectacular spring bulbs, exuberant shrub and herbaceous borders and many ornamental trees are all enhanced by the spectacular views across the park to the Ochils. From snowdrops through to vibrant autumn colour, this garden is a gem. Look out for the embothrium in June, hoheria in August, eucryphia in September and an interesting collection of rhododendrons and azaleas with long flowering season.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00067

Directions: Drive for 1½ miles from the gates at the north end of Braco Village, just west of the bridge on the A822. Parking at the castle is welcome.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: The Woodland Trust Scotland 60%

Knock Newhouse

Lochgair PA31 8RZ
Mrs Hew Service

20 March - 30 September, 10am - 4pm (2025)

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T:01546 886628 E:corranmorhouse@aol.com

Like all good gardens, it has evolved over time. The garden is centred on a 250-foot lochan, a small waterfall and lily pond. The first trees and rhododendrons were planted in the 1960s, with major additions in the 1990s. A variety of cut leaf and flowering trees were added after the storms of 2011/12. As a result, the garden now has a wide range of specimen trees, camellias, hoheria, eucryphia, stewartia to name a few in addition to the azaleas and rhododendrons. January flowering is followed by spring flowers and bluebells and then into the autumn by spectacular colours. I am delighted to welcome visitors at any time.

Directions: On the A83. The house is not visible from the road. From Lochgilphead, a ½ mile south of Lochgair Hotel and on the left-hand side of the road, and from Inveraray on the right-hand side of the road a ½ mile after the Lochgair Hotel; the drive opening is marked and enters the woods. Bus Route - Inveraray to Lochgilphead

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: The Lochgair Association (SCIO): Village Hall Fund 30% & Cancer Research UK 30%

Glenarn

Glenarn Road, Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LL
Michael and Sue Thornley

21 March - 21 September, dawn - dusk (2025)

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T:01436 820493 E:masthome@btinternet.com

W:www.glenarn.com

Glenarn survives as a complete example of a ten-acre garden which spans from 1850 to the present day. There are winding paths through miniature glens under a canopy of oaks and limes, sunlit open spaces, a vegetable garden with beehives, and a rock garden full of surprise and season-long colour. The famous collections of rare and tender rhododendrons and magnolias give way in midsummer to roses rambling through the trees and climbing hydrangeas, followed by the starry white flowers of hoherias and eucryphias to the end of the season. There is a Silent Space at the top of the garden with views over the Gareloch.
Champion Trees: Notably Magnolia rostrata

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00193

Directions: On the A814, two miles north of Helensburgh, up Pier Road. Cars to be left at the gate unless passengers have limited mobility.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Amma : Birth Companions (SCIO) 50%

Inveraray Castle Gardens

Inveraray PA32 8XF
The Duke and Duchess of Argyll

27 March - 29 September 10am - 5pm & 2 October - 27 October 10am - 4pm (2025)

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T:01499 302203 E:manager@inveraray-castle.com

W:www.inveraray-castle.com

With Inveraray Castle as an imposing backdrop, the sixteen acre garden has formal, meadow, park and woodland areas and is one of the most important designed landscapes in Scotland. The formal gardens consist of vivid green manicured lawn; the Flag Borders, historically laid out in the shape of the St Andrew’s cross; a spectacular rose garden and herbaceous borders. A number of significant trees, including notable specimens of Magnolia acuminata and Oxydendrum arboreum, provide structure and form in this section of the garden. Colour is abundant from April until well into the autumn. The wildflower meadow is managed with native flora and fauna in mind and links the formal and informal parts of the garden. The carpet of fragrant bluebells is a feast for the senses throughout the spring, following straight on from thousands of narcissi. With views over Loch Fyne and the majesty of the West Highlands, the garden holds numerous rhododendrons, hydrangeas and other plants known to flourish in the Argyll climate.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00223

Directions: Inveraray is 60 miles north of Glasgow and 45 miles from Oban. Regular bus services from Glasgow, Oban and Campbeltown. SatNav PA32 8XF.

Admission: £10.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Blair Castle Gardens

Blair Atholl PH18 5TL
Blair Charitable Trust

28 March - 31 October, 9:30am - 5pm (2025)

345d7k

T:01796 481207 E:office@blair-castle.co.uk

W:www.blair-castle.co.uk

Blair Castle stands as the focal point in a designed landscape of some 2,500 acres within a Highland estate. Hercules Garden is a walled enclosure of about nine acres recently restored to its original 18th-century design with landscaped ponds, a Chinese bridge, contemporary plantings, and an orchard of more than 100 fruit trees. The glory of this garden in summer is the herbaceous border, which runs along the 275 yard south-facing wall. A delightful sculpture trail incorporates contemporary and 18th-century sculpture as well as eight new works, letter-carving on stone from the Memorial and Commemorative Arts charity’s 'Art and Memory Collection'. Diana’s Grove is a magnificent stand of tall trees including grand fir, Douglas fir, larch and wellingtonia running along the Banvie Burn, with the 12th-century ruins of St Bride’s Church on the far bank.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00059

Directions: Off A9, follow signs to Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Crinan Hotel Garden

Crinan PA31 8SR
Mrs N Ryan

29 March - 31 October, dawn - dusk (2025)

1467k

T:01546 830261 E:macdonaldart.crinan@gmail.com

W:www.crinanhotel.com

A small, mature garden behind the Crinan Hotel which has been open with SGS for over 25 years. It is 100 years old and was originally the walled vegetable garden for the Hotel. In 1980 it was cleared and reinstated with azaleas, rhododendrons and herbaceous beds. Approached from a patio under ancient griselinia boughs, the garden catches the afternoon sun and is a peaceful escape!

Also enjoy the gallery on the rooftop of the hotel and a wonderful scone by baker Paul in the coffee shop by the canal basin.

Directions: Take the A83 to Lochgilphead, then the A816 to Oban, then the A841 Cairnbaan to Crinan. Daily bus.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 30% & Guide Dogs 30%

Norby

Burnside, Sandness, Shetland ZE2 9PL
Mrs Gundel Grolimund

1 April - 31 December, dawn - dusk (2025)

4

T:01595 870246 E:gundel.g5@btinternet.com

A small but perfectly-formed garden and a prime example of what can be achieved in a very exposed situation. Blue painted wooden pallets provide internal wind breaks and form a background for shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants, while willows provide a perfect wildlife habitat. There are treasured plants such as Chionochloa rubra, pieris, Chinese tree peonies, a selection of old-fashioned shrub roses, lilies, hellebores and grasses from New Zealand. There is also a lovely selection of interesting art and textiles in the house.

Directions: Head north on the A970 from Lerwick then west on the A971 at Tingwall. At Sandness, follow the road to Norby, turn right at the Methodist Church, Burnside is at the end of the road. Bus 10 Sandness - Walls.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Survival International 60%

An Cala

Ellenabeich, Isle of Seil PA34 4RF
Mrs Sheila Downie

1 April - 31 October, 10am - 6pm (2025)

46d7

W:www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk/view-details.php?id=447

A wonderful example of a 1930s designed garden, An Cala sits snugly in its horseshoe shelter of surrounding cliffs. A spectacular and very pretty garden with streams, waterfall, ponds, many herbaceous plants as well as azaleas, rhododendrons and cherry trees in spring. Archive material of Thomas Mawson’s design was found recently and is available to visitors.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00013

Directions: Proceed south from Oban on Campbeltown Road for eight miles, turn right at the Easdale sign, a further eight miles on the B844; the garden is between the school and the village. Bus Oban - Easdale.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 30% & Cancer Research UK 30%

Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

Isle of Skye IV55 8WF
Hugh Macleod of Macleod

1 April - 15 October, 10am - 5:30pm (last entry 5pm) (2025)

3467

T:01470 521206 E:info@dunvegancastle.com

W:www.dunvegancastle.com

Any visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without enjoying the wealth of history and horticultural delights at award-winning 5* Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, now an RHS partner garden. The five acres of formal gardens began life in the 18th century. In stark contrast to the barren moorland and mountains which dominate Skye's landscape, the Castle's Water Garden, Round Garden, Walled Garden and woodland walks provide an oasis for an eclectic mix of flowers, exotic plants, shrubs and specimen trees, framed by shimmering pools fed from waterfalls. After visiting the Water Garden with its ornate bridges and islands replete with colourful plants along the riverbanks, wander through the elegant formal Round Garden. The Walled Garden, formerly the Castle's vegetable garden, now has a diverse range of plants and flowers completing the attractive features, including a water lily pond, garden museum, 17th century lectern sundial, glass house and the 'Dunvegan Pebble', a rotating 2.7 ton Carrara marble sculpture. The informal areas of the garden are kept wild to encourage wildlife, creating a more natural aesthetic framed by the coastal scenery. The present Chief, Hugh MacLeod, and his dedicated team of gardeners, continue to build on this unique legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Directions: One mile from Dunvegan village, 23 miles west of Portree. Follow the signs for Dunvegan Castle.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Tinnisburn Plants

Upper Millsteads, Canonbie DG14 0RY
Helen Knowles

1 April - 31 August (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), 10am - 4pm (2025)

a7

T:07544 373815 E:helen@tinnisburn.co.uk

W:tinnisburn.co.uk

Developed over the last 36 years, this one-acre, plantsman's garden is home to an eclectic mix of truly hardy perennials, trees and shrubs. Planted for year-round colour and interest and to provide habitats for wildlife, there is something new to see each month. There is a woodland garden, rockery, bog garden, herbaceous borders and much more. Meconopsis grow well here and more are being planted out every year. In addition to the garden, there is a small orchard, wildlife ponds and mown paths through the wildflower meadows and, if you're lucky, you may spot red squirrels.
National Plant Collection: Scilla (Chionodoxa)

Directions: Take the B6357 north from Canonbie. At Harelaw turn left onto the B6318 and after 1 mile turn right onto our track. It is 1.5 miles long and is untarmacked but suitable for all vehicles. Just drive slowly and carefully.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Fauna & Flora International 30% & Macmillan Cancer Support 30%

Pitmuies Gardens

House of Pitmuies, Guthrie, by Forfar DD8 2SN
Jeanette and Ruaraidh Ogilvie

1 April - 30 September, 10am - 5pm (2025)

6d7

T:01241 828245 E:ogilvie@pitmuies.com

W:www.pitmuies.com

Two renowned, semi-formal walled gardens adjoin an 18th-century house and steading, sheltering long borders of herbaceous perennials, superb old-fashioned delphiniums and roses, together with pavings rich with violas and dianthus. An extensive and diverse collection of plants, interesting kitchen garden, spacious lawns, and river, lochside and woodland walks beneath fine trees. A wide variety of shrubs with good autumn colour and a picturesque turreted doocot and a ‘Gothick’ wash house. Myriad spring bulbs include carpets of crocus following massed snowdrops and daffodils.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00215

Directions: From Forfar take the A932 east for seven miles and gardens are signposted on the right. From Brechin take the A933 south to Friockheim and turn right onto the A932. The gardens are signposted on the left after 1½ miles.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Attadale

Strathcarron IV54 8YX
Joanna Macpherson

1 April - 31 October, 10am - 5pm (2025)

3c67k

T:01520 722217 E:info@attadalegardens.com

W:www.attadalegardens.com

The Gulf Stream, surrounding hills and rocky cliffs create a microclimate for 20 acres of outstanding water gardens, old rhododendrons, unusual trees and a fern collection in a geodesic dome. There is also a sunken fern garden developed on the site of an early 19th-century drain, a waterfall into a pool with dwarf rhododendrons, sunken garden, peace garden and kitchen garden. Other features include a conservatory, Japanese garden, sculpture collection and giant sundial.

Directions: On the A890 between Strathcarron and South Strome.

Admission: £10.00, children free

Charities: Highland Hospice 60%

Monteviot

Jedburgh TD8 6UQ
The Marchioness of Lothian

1 April - 31 October, 12pm - 5pm (2025)

5d

T:01835 830380

W:www.monteviot.com

A series of differing gardens displaying rose and herbaceous plants surrounded by foliage plants. A water feature linked by bridges and falls passes through the Dene Garden and Water Garden. The Garden of Persistent Imagination is planted with rose and clematis beside paths which meander across a bridge and under the Moonstone Gate, past the Dali-style clock.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00288

Directions: Turn off the A68, three miles north of Jedburgh on to the B6400. After one mile turn right.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Craigieburn House

by Moffat DG10 9LF
Janet and Peter McGowan

20 April - 31 October, 10:30am - 5pm (2025)

c7

T:07557 928648 E:bideshi2024@outlook.com

A beautiful and varied six-acre, plant-lovers' garden in a natural location in scenic Moffat Dale. Meconopsis, trilliums, rhododendrons, magnolias, arisaemas, bamboos, hoherias and many more types of plants flourish in the shelter of mature woodland. A Himalayan glen has been recreated with plants from the region where the Craigie Burn tumbles down a gorge with a series of waterfalls. Downstream is a fern garden with over 70 varieties. Candelabra primulas, rodgersias, cardiocrinum, orchids and other rare plants thrive in the bog garden and woodland glades. Double herbaceous borders come into their own later in the summer and keep the display going throughout the season. Other garden areas include a rose garden, formal pond and autumn garden. A nursery sells hardy plants propagated on site, many of them rare or unusual. The garden has been created over the past 30 years by Janet and Peter, with Dawa Sherpa, building on its old setting, and continues to evolve. Its links to Robert Burns – including his song 'Craigieburn Wood' – provide another layer of history.

Directions: Three miles from the A74(M) (junction 15), two miles east of Moffat on the A708 Selkirk Road. Coming from Moffat, there are traffic lights straight ahead at the end of the bend. You can't miss the lodge and prayer flags.

Admission: by donation

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Bughtrig

near Leitholm, Coldstream TD12 4JP
Mr and Mrs William Ramsay

1 May - 30 September, 9am - 4:30pm (2025)

67

E:ramsay@bughtrig.co.uk

A traditional, hedged, Scottish family garden with an interesting combination of sculpture, herbaceous plants, shrubs, annuals and fruit. It is surrounded by fine specimen trees, which provide remarkable shelter. In the grounds of Bughtrig Gardens is the recently opened Admiral Ramsay Museum, which has been created in memory of all who served at D-Day, Dunkirk and during World War II.

Directions: ¼ mile east of Leitholm on the B6461.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Glenkyllachy

Tomatin IV13 7YA
Mr and Mrs Philip Mackenzie

1 May - 31 October (Monday & Tuesday), 10am - 5pm (2025)

7

E:emmaglenkyllachy@gmail.com

In a magnificent Highland glen, 1200 feet above sea level, Glenkyllachy is a beautiful garden of shrubs, herbaceous plants, rhododendrons, trees, and spectacular views down the Findhorn River. There are some rare specimens and a recently planted arboretum. Rhododendrons and bulbs flower in May/June, herbaceous plants bloom through July/August with glorious autumn colours in September and October. There is a very productive vegetable garden, polytunnel, fruit cage and greenhouse as well as original sculptures and a Highgrove-inspired wall which provide year round interest. Featured on TV Beechgrove, in The English Garden Magazine and recently in Scottish Field (November 2023). The garden is constantly evolving with new areas being developed and planting schemes changed.

Directions: Turn off the A9 at Tomatin and take the Coignafearn/Garbole single-track road down the north-side of the River Findhorn, there is a cattle grid and gate on the right 500 yards AFTER the humpback bridge and the sign to Farr.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Marie Curie 60%

Leathad Ard

Upper Carloway, Isle of Lewis HS2 9AQ
Rowena and Stuart Oakley

1 May - 30 September (not Sunday), 10am - 6pm (2025)

c47

T:01851 643204 E:leathad.ard@gmail.com

W:www.leathadard.org.uk

A one-acre sloping garden with stunning views over East Loch Roag. It has evolved along with the shelter hedges that divide the garden into a number of areas giving a new view at every corner. With shelter and raised beds, the different conditions created permit a wide variety of plants to be grown. Features include herbaceous borders, cutting borders, bog gardens, grass garden, exposed beds, patios, a pond and vegetables and fruit grown both in the open ground and the Keder greenhouse. Some of the vegetables are grown to show standards.

Directions: On the A858 Shawbost-Carloway take the first right after the Carloway football pitch, and it is the first house on the right. By bus take the Westside circular bus, exit Stornoway and head for Carloway football pitch.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: British Red Cross 60%

Floors Castle

Kelso TD5 7SF
The Duke of Roxburghe

1 May - 30 September, 10am - 5pm, admission details can be found on the garden's website. The Walled Garden, Terrace Cafe and Apple Shed are also open all year round and access to those during the winter months is via the B6397 only, NOT via the main entrance to the Castle on Roxburgh Street. (2025)

6d7

T:01573 223333

W:www.floorscastle.com

The gardens are situated within the grounds of Floors Castle. Meander through to the formal Millennium Parterre and soak up the spectacular visions of colour, texture and the most delicious scents around the four herbaceous borders in one of the finest Victorian kitchen gardens in Scotland. Features include perennial gardens, fruit cage, Tapestry Garden and glasshouse access as well as the Terrace Cafe, Apple Shed Gift Shop and Deli and children’s play area. Explore the grounds, which offer woodland and riverside walks from May to the end of September.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00181

Directions: Floors Castle can be reached by following the A6089 from Edinburgh; the B6397 from Earlston; or the A698 from Coldstream. Go through Kelso, up Roxburgh Street to the Golden Gates.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Balmeanach House

Balmeanach, nr Struan, Isle of Skye IV56 8FH
Mrs Arlene Macphie

1 May - 4 October, 11am - 4pm (2025)

2c7

T:01470 572320 E:info@skye-holiday.com

W:www.skye-holiday.com

Very much a plantsman's garden, begun in the early 1990s after a third-of-an-acre of croft land was fenced. A shelter belt now permits a plethora of diverse plants in exuberant herbaceous borders, which give nectar and pollen to keep the buzzing and fluttering going until autumn, plus rockeries and raised beds. Native trees rub shoulders with more exotic ornamental varieties, providing a canopy for shade-loving plants and nesting sites for the many birds who make the garden their home. A small pond in a sunken garden; a larger pond divided in two by a path over a culvert and a bog garden, give scope for marginal and moisture-loving plants. Meandering pathways lead through a small bluebell wood, an arbour garden, shrubbery and small birch wood, full of azaleas and rhododendrons. Plenty of seating throughout provides an invitation to sit, relax and enjoy the garden and stunning scenery beyond.

Directions: A87 to Sligachan, turn left and Balmeanach is five miles north of Struan and five miles south of Dunvegan.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Scottish SPCA 30% & Redwings 30%

Dunninald Castle

Montrose DD10 9TD
The Stansfeld family

1 May - 31 August (Monday, Tuesday & Sunday), 1pm - 5pm (2025)

6d7

T:01674 672031 E:estateoffice@dunninald.com

W:www.dunninald.com

We welcome our visitors to explore our 100 acres of woods, wild garden, policies and a walled garden. From January to May, the main interest is the wild garden and policies where snowdrops in January are followed by daffodils and finally bluebells in May. In June, the emphasis turns to the walled garden, rich in interest and colour throughout the summer. Situated at the bottom of the beech avenue, the walled garden is planted with rose borders, traditional mixed borders, vegetables, herbs, soft fruits and fruit trees and there is a greenhouse.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00159

Directions: Three miles south of Montrose, ten miles north of Arbroath, signposted from the A92.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Nonavaar

Levenwick, Shetland ZE2 9HX
James B Thomason

1 June - 30 September, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

4

T:01950 422447

This is a delightful country garden, sloping within drystone walls and overlooking magnificent coastal views. It contains ponds, terraces, trees, bushes, varied perennials, annuals, vegetable garden and greenhouse.

Directions: Head south from Lerwick. Turn left at the Levenwick sign soon after the Bigton turn-off. Follow the road to the third house on the left after the Midway stores. Park where there is a Garden Open sign. Bus 6 from Lerwick - Sumburgh.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Cancer Research UK 60%

Linn Botanic Gardens

Cove, By Helensburgh G84 0NR
Matthew Young

18 June - 17 August (not Monday & Tuesday), 10am - 5pm (2025)

47

W:www.thelinn.co.uk

The Linn Botanic Gardens used to be one of the only privately owned gardens to be accredited as a botanical garden, under the stewardship of its creators, Jim and Jamie Taggart. Sadly Jamie died on a plant-hunting expedition to Vietnam in 2013, and Jim's failing health and old age limited the care he could take of the place from that point onwards. He himself then passed away in 2019, at which point the garden was closed and was not maintained at all until 2021 when it was purchased by the current owners.

Since then extensive work has been taking place to renovate and reopen the gardens, and to rebuild the disintegrating villa at their heart. It is still very much a work in progress, but large parts of the old plant collection remain intact. You are invited to explore what has been restored and to discuss the plans to complete the repair work and then further develop the garden in the future, but please do bear in mind that it is a long way from being the finished article just yet.

Directions: From Helensburgh, head North to Garelochhead. Go through Garelochhead and turn left on the B833, towards Rosneath and Kilcreggan. Drive around the whole peninsula, through both those villages until you reach Cove. Past Cove Country Store and Cove Burgh Hall you will see Cove picnic area by the shore on your left, which is the only public parking facility. From there, walk up the wee lane along the burn, between the two garden walls and we are 20 metres along on the left. Alternative you can take the 316 bus to Coulport from Colquhoun Square in Helensburgh and ask the driver to kick you off at Cove picnic area.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Scottish Refugee Council 60%

5 Knott

Clachamish, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9NZ
Brian and Joyce Heggie

29 June - 30 September (Monday, Tuesday & Sunday), 2pm - 5pm (2025)

2c6

T:07495 442468 E:jbheggie@hotmail.co.uk

W:www.knottskye.co.uk

An informal, organic garden on a gently-sloping half-acre site. Perimeter hedging has enabled a sheltered and tranquil oasis to be created. Winding paths meander through the densely-planted borders filled with a diverse range of perennials, annuals and shrubs. There is also a vegetable area with raised beds and a large polytunnel. A developing wildflower meadow with sea loch views leads onto a sheltered bay and a shoreside walk to the headland. There are regular sightings of seals, otters, sea eagles and harbour porpoises. There is garden seating in several locations. The garden is situated in an easily-reached, particularly quiet and scenic area of Skye. The garden was featured on Beechgrove in 2023.

Directions: From Portree, take the A87 to Uig/Dunvegan. After approximately three miles, take the A850 towards Dunvegan. Six miles on, pass the Treaslane sign. Turn right on the bend at the signpost for Knott.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: The Way Forward Group 30% & Crossroads Care Skye & Lochalsh 30%

Dougarie

Isle of Arran KA27 8EB
Mrs S C Gibbs

By arrangement (2025)

7

E:laviniawgibbs@gmail.com

Most interesting terraced garden in a castellated folly built in 1905 to celebrate the marriage of the 12th Duke of Hamilton’s only child to the Duke of Montrose. Good selection of tender and rare shrubs and herbaceous border. Small woodland area with trees including azara, abutilon, eucryphia, hoheria and nothofagus.

Directions: Five miles from Blackwaterfoot. Regular ferry sailing from Ardrossan and Claonaig (Argyll). Information from Caledonian MacBrayne, Gourock, T: 01475 650100. Parking is free.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Pirnmill Village Association 60%

Kilchoan Gardens

Kilmelford PA34 4XD
Kilchoan Estate/ Luke Senior - Head Gardener

By arrangement (2025)

679

T:07425 054 743 or 01852 200 500 E:luke@kilchoanestate.co.uk

An eclectic private garden, open on specific dates and year round by appointment.

Since 2016, when Kilchoan Estate was taken into new ownership, the grounds have been developed and expanded; areas that had fallen into ruin and garden spaces reclaimed by nature have been uncovered; surviving plantings and mature trees have been enhanced; the footprint of further expansive garden and policies laid out.

A cosmopolitan collection of plants and artwork are displayed throughout the grounds, featuring a Himalayan garden, walled garden, arboretum with International Conifer Conservation Program collection, formal planting within native woodlands. Planting has been designed with conservation, diversity and beauty in mind, providing year-round interest. There is plenty to see and many places to sit, rest and reflect.

The chapel will be open. Teas available on SGS specific dates.

Directions: 4.5 miles along the road from the A816 turn off south of Kilmelford signed Degnish. Turn left after 1.5 miles at the bridge and Melfort Holiday Village. Follow this for 3 miles and look out for signage.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: The Kilchoan Melfort Trust 30% & Netherlorn (Church of Scotland): Kilmelford Church New Annexe 30%

Laundry Cottage

Culdrain, Gartly, Huntly AB54 4PY
Judith McPhun

By arrangement between Open by arrangement 1 January - 31 December, admission £5.00, children free. Snowdrops during February and March. Groups of up to 12 welcome. (2025)

b046

T:01466 720768 E:judithmcphun@icloud.com

An informal, cottage-style garden of about one-and-a-half acres by the River Bogie. Two contrasting steep slopes make up the wilder parts. The more intensively-gardened area around the cottage includes a wide variety of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, an orchard area and fruit and vegetable plots, making a garden of year-round interest.

Directions: Four miles south of Huntly on the A97.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust 60%

Craichlaw

Kirkcowan, Newton Stewart DG8 0DQ
Mr and Mrs Andrew Gladstone

By arrangement (2025)

b46

T:01671 830208 E:craichlaw@aol.com

Formal garden with herbaceous borders around the house. Set in extensive grounds with lawns, lochs and woodland. A path around the main loch leads to a water garden returning past a recently planted arboretum in the old walled garden. The best times to visit the garden are early February for snowdrops, May to mid-June for the water garden and rhododendrons, and mid-June to August for herbaceous borders.

Directions: Take the B733 for Kirkcowan, off the A75 at the Halfway House eight miles west of Newton Stewart and Craichlaw House is the first turning on the right.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Barholm Castle

Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2EZ
Drs John and Janet Brennan

By arrangement (2025)

b467

T:01557 840327 E:barholmcastle@gmail.com

Barholm Castle, a 16th-century tower, was restored from a ruin in 2005. The gardens surrounding the tower have been mostly developed from scratch and are now mature. There is a recently-extended walled garden, with a gate designed by the artist blacksmith Adam Booth; a courtyard garden; a wooded ravine with huge hybrid rhododendrons from Benmore; a pond and a large fernery with over 100 varieties of fern, including very large tree ferns; a large Victorian-style greenhouse filled with succulents and tender perennials; and a large open garden with island beds of shrubs and perennials and a pond. Directly around the castle are rockeries and shrub borders. Views over Wigtown Bay are magnificent. The garden is planted for year-round colour, from February, when the castle ravine is a river of snowdrops, to October, when autumn colour is splendid.

Directions: Off the A75 at the Cairn Holy turn off, fork right three times and drive up a steep narrow road for half-a-mile.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Home-Start Wigtownshire 60%

Kevock Garden

16 Kevock Road, Lasswade EH18 1HT
David and Stella Rankin

By arrangement between 1 January - 29 December (2025)

4

E:stella@kevockgarden.co.uk

W:www.kevockgarden.co.uk

This wonderful hillside garden has magnificent views over the North Esk Valley. Its steep slope creates a range of different habitats with a wide diversity of plants, ranging from those that love hot, sunny conditions to those that prefer the cool, damp places near the pond and woodland glades. Mature specimen trees, rhododendrons, azaleas and unusual shrubs are underplanted with many rare woodland plants. Lawns have been relaid, surrounding borders have been planted, and there is a new rock garden. Kevock Garden has featured in many magazine articles and gardening programmes.

Directions: Kevock Road lies to the south of the A678 Loanhead/Lasswade Road. Five minutes from the city bypass Lasswade Junction and on the 31 Lothian Bus route to Polton/Bonnyrigg Road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Fischy Music 60%

The Limes

Kirkcudbright DG6 4XD
David and Carolyn McHale

By arrangement (2025)

6

E:carolyn.mchale@btinternet.com

This one-and-a-quarter acre plantswoman’s garden has a variety of different plant habitats: woodland, dry sunny gravel beds, rock garden, crevice garden and mixed perennial and shrub borders. There is also a large productive vegetable garden. The McHales like to grow most of their plants from seed obtained through various international seed exchanges. You can expect to see a large number of unusual and exciting plants. The garden is full of colour with an abundance of spring flowers in March, and in late May and early June the meconopsis should be at their best. The gravel garden comes into its own in July and continues through until winter. Hardy cyclamen are a big favourite and one species or another is in flower in almost every month of the year. Winter is a good time to admire their varied leaf forms.

Directions: In Kirkcudbright go straight along St Mary Street towards Dundrennan. The Limes is on the right, about half a mile from the town centre crossroads, on the edge of the town.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Friends Of Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool 60%

Charleston Forest Garden

43 Gourdie Terrace, Dundee DD2 4QT
L Wakefield

By arrangement (2025)

47

E:charlestonforestgarden@gmail.com

A young forest garden in Dundee, practising permaculture principles. Perennial vegetables are scattered throughout the garden, along with medicinal herbs, fruit trees, edible hedges and ornamental edible plants. A small flock of chickens contribute to a composting system and there is also a 'chop and drop' approach being used. This garden is home to some Scottish heirloom vegetable varieties, with the intention to save seeds to share. There is a small patch of alpines and a number of roses throughout, along with some purely ornamental herbaceous perennials, mostly grown with pollinators and wildlife in mind.

Directions: In the centre of Charleston, Dundee, with some parking on Gourdie Terrace and Balgarthno Road. The number 28 bus stops around the corner at the community centre.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Dementia UK 60%

Stockarton

Kirkcudbright DG6 4XS
Lt Col and Mrs Richard Cliff

By arrangement (2025)

67

T:01557 330430

This garden was started in 1995 by Carola Cliff, a keen and knowledgeable plantswoman, and contains a collection of unusual shrubs and small trees, which are growing well. Her aim has been to create different informal gardens around a Galloway farm house, leading down to a lochan. Above the lochan there is a sweet cottage, used for holiday retreats, with its own interesting garden. In 1996 a three-acre arboretum was planted as a shelter belt and it now contains some rare oak trees.

Directions: On the B727 Kirkcudbright to Gelston Road. Kirkcudbright three miles, Castle Douglas seven miles.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Loch Arthur 60%

Ruthven House

near Coldstream TD12 4JU
Keith and Karen Fountain

By arrangement between 1 January - 12 September (2025)

067

T:01890 840680 E:ruthvenhouse@btconnect.com

The three acres of Ruthven’s garden have lovely views towards the Cheviots. The garden’s central feature is two ponds joined by a winding stream. The garden is composed of various differing areas - herbaceous borders, woodland areas, a gravel garden, a knot garden, rockeries, an orchard laid to meadow, a kitchen garden, a highland garden, a nuttery, a small lavender field, a shade bed to the back of the house and, adjacent to the house, a formal rose garden. A small fold of Highland cattle in the adjacent field complete the scene. The garden is constantly evolving but this year we will not be having an open garden day to allow for a sustained period of development and renewal. Visitors by arrangement, as ever, will be very welcome.

Directions: Four miles north of Coldstream, and one mile south of Swinton Mill, on the old Duns road.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Scottish Action for Mental Health 60%

Mouse Cottage

Strathtay, Pitlochry PH9 0PG
Penny Kennedy

By arrangement between 1 January - 29 November (2025)

4k

T:07799 678067 E:mymousecottage@outlook.com

W:www.mymousecottage.co.uk

Mouse Cottage sits on a south-facing hill overlooking Strathtay. Small but packed with interesting features, it is a semi-wild haven of secret places where self-seeders mix with annuals and more formal planting. The owner is an artist who adores her garden space and collects quirky planting containers such as dustbins and dolly tubs. Her Pear Parasol and Holly Brolly are amongst her favourite features. Gravel paths wind through shady places full of joyous surprises such as Crambe cordifolia. Self catering and B & B accommodation is available at: www.mymousecottage.co.uk

Directions: From the A9 take the exit at Ballinluig signposted Aberfeldy. Go through Logierait, after about four miles turn right at T junction. At Grandtully turn right, over the bridge, up the hill to Strathtay Post Office. Turn right passing the golf course up to the red telephone box. Mouse Cottage is next opening on the left, signposted. Please beware of flying golf balls! NB: No parking at Mouse Cottage. On street parking possible at Strathtay. Bus 23 (Aberfeldy to Perth) stops at Grandtully Bridge.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Dawson's Garden

The Old Post Office, Kilmany KY15 4PT
Liz Murray

By arrangement between 6 January - 21 December (2025)

45e

T:07531 571045 E:kilmanyartist@gmail.com

A small cottage garden, full of surprises. Developed from a bare rectangle of grass by the late artist Dawson Murray, it was designed to please the senses all year round with colour, form and scent. Stone paths edged with box meander out of sight past 13 apple trees and a plum tree; two varieties of fig; both a red and a green grape vine and roses chosen for scent. There are plenty of areas to sit and relax: by the pond, in a small grassy area through a rose and clematis arch, outside the studio facing the kitchen garden or up on the patio. All are accessible by wheelchair.
Champion Trees: Red Hazel

Directions: The Old Post Office is in the centre of the small hamlet of Kilmany, just off the A92, eight miles from Dundee or 1½ miles after Rathillet coming from the opposite direction. It can also be reached from Cupar via Foodieash.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Overcoming MS 60%

Harthill

Reediehill Farm, Auchtermuchty KY14 7HS
Nichola and John Fletcher

By arrangement between 6 January - 31 October (2025)

2c67

T:01337 828369 E:info@nicholafletcher.com

W:www.nicholafletcher.com

Harthill enjoys a tranquil setting in the hills just above Auchtermuchty with beautiful views and, if you are lucky, sightings of the stunning herd of white deer who also live there. The garden, of approximately one acre, offers a large varied flower garden with vegetable, fruit and nursery areas; two separate wild gardens planted with specimen trees, a lochan and a small woodland. In late May to early June our meconopsis and primula beds, with woodland plants, are at their best. Summer offers herbaceous interest including a pergola dripping with roses and a large mound with grasses, thalictrum and many large plants. Autumn colours are in the trees and shrubs, with grasses and cyclamen through to early winter.

Directions: Find 'Reediehill Deer Farm' on Google maps. Go 50 metres up the concrete drive then turn left at Harthill sign. Continue over the cattle grid up the drive to reach Harthilll house. Directions can be emailed.

Admission: by donation

Charities: TST: The Tim Stead Trust 60%

The Pond Garden

The Pond, Milnathort KY13 0SD
Fay Young and Ray Perman

By arrangement between 1 February - 31 December (2025)

67

T:07767 407396 E:fay@fayyoung.org

W:fayyoung.org/category/pond-cottage/

A wild woodland and wetland garden adapting to climate change. We learn from resilient plants and wildlife. There are flowers, fruits, seeds, and nuts to support birds, bats, bees, butterflies, red squirrels and tiny unknowns! Woodland paths lead through snowdrops, daffodils, bluebells, foxgloves, and ferns. Mature beeches and oaks mark boundaries of former Victorian estate. Mosses and mushrooms grow among log piles, stone shapes, and a stumpery. Since mid 1990s we have rebuilt and retrofitted the derelict farm cottage with external insulation and renewable energy. Now we plan Himalayan and native Scottish plantings overlooking the streams.

Directions: From Milnathort village. At the mini roundabout in the centre of the village take the north exit (signed for Path of Condie) up Wester Loan, then North Street. At the top of the hill, past the church on your left, you will cross the motorway again. Carry straight on for 1/2 mile, the gate to Pond Cottage is on the right after a field opening.

Admission: £5.50, children free

Charities: CHAS: Children's Hospices Across Scotland 60%

Madeira

Grangemuir, Pittenweem KY10 2RB
Tara Macdonald

By arrangement between 1 February - 30 September (Tuesday & Thursday). (2025)

b47k

T:07867 798746 E:tara@madeirainfife.com

W:www.madeirainfife.com

Madeira is a wonderful, ten-acre eco garden with a Victorian walled garden at its centre. We have an orchard and vegetable garden, pretty paths through woodland and plenty of bluebells and snowdrops. We don’t use chemicals and fully support wildlife and the habitat they live in; the bee garden and our wilding areas are just two examples. The garden is a work in progress and we are continually creating spaces and fun things for kids to enjoy e.g. our dragon's den, Viking shelter, rope swings and more. We grow our own vegetables and love turning our fruit into juices, jellies, jams and ice-cream. We’d be delighted to show you round or let you wander and enjoy.

Directions: Take the bus to Pittenween and walk up Charles Street, past the recycling centre and we are 400 metres up on the left.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Delvine

Murthly PH1 4LD
Mr David Gemmell

By arrangement between 1 February - 1 December (2025)

7

T:07748 207647 E:gemmell.david@googlemail.com

The arboretum at Delvine covers more than 10 acres. The arboretum is situated on a flood plain, flanked by oxbow lakes on each side. This is the place to visit for those who seek a remote and peaceful setting. As one proceeds in a westerly direction, one enters an area of great drifts of chimonobambusa and miscanthus grasses with water and wildlife in abundance. The walking is easy, but not suitable for wheelchair users. This garden will appeal to those seeking the unusual.

Directions: On the A984, seven miles east of Dunkeld, four miles south-west of Blairgowrie. Turn through gateway and follow drive to wooden gates with Arboretum sign.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Army Benevolent Fund 60%

Kings Grange House

Castle Douglas DG7 3EU
Christine and Peter Hickman

By arrangement between 1 February - 31 August (2025)

b6

T:07787 535889

An extensive garden surrounded by mature trees and shrubberies, with views to the south west over the surrounding countryside. Originally Victorian, the garden is being restored by the present owners with a colourful variety of herbaceous mixed borders, beds and rockeries. There are snowdrops in February and banks of daffodils and a carpet of white narcissus in the lawns and around the pergola in springtime.

Directions: Take the B794 north off the A75, two miles east of Castle Douglas. Kings Grange House is approximately one mile on the left.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Marie Curie 30% & RNLI 30%

Chaplains' Court

20 The Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 1RQ
Irene Wischik

By arrangement between 1 March - 30 September (2025)

0c467

T:01224 491675 E:irene@wischik.com

This historic walled garden has a long, well-stocked herbaceous border offering a succession of vivid colour from early spring to winter. It is divided by an ornamental pergola, a perfect place to sit and enjoy the garden. Large trees of ash, beech, horse chestnut, oak and sycamore give this garden a mature feel. A specimen Camperdown elm sits in the centre of the lawn, which in spring is covered in a carpet of crocuses, snowdrops and Scilla. Vegetables and herbs produce plentiful crops, together with newly-planted espalier and fan-trained apple and pear trees.

Directions: Bus 1 or 2 from Aberdeen city centre to St Machar Drive, and head towards St Machar Cathedral. Or drive down St Machar Drive, turn into The Chanonry and drive down until the junction with Don Street.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: SSAFA Forces Help 60%

Luckie Harg's

Anwoth, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas DG7 2EF
Drs Carole and Ian Bainbridge

By arrangement between 1 March - 30 September (2025)

467

T:01557 814141 E:luckiehargs@btinternet.com

A new and developing garden on the outskirts of Gatehouse of Fleet. A rock and spring herbaceous garden of around an acre, with a wide range of alpines, Himalayan and New Zealand plants, shrubs and small trees. There is a rock garden, modern crevice gardens, troughs, a large alpine house and bulb frame. New boulder, scree and stumpery beds, a pond and a woodland area are being developed. Small productive vegetable and fruit garden, plus a bluebell bank in May.

Directions: From Gatehouse High Street, turn north onto Station Road, immediately west at the Fleet Bridge by The Ship Inn. After almost one mile turn left signed to Anwoth Old Church. Luckie Harg’s is the first on the right after 400 yards. The nearest bus stop is on Gatehouse High Street, walk about 15 minutes to Luckie Harg’s.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Scottish Rock Garden Club 60%

3 Millhall

Shore Road, Kirkcudbright DG6 4TQ
Mr Alan Shamash

By arrangement between 1 March - 31 October (2025)

7

T:01557 870352 E:shamash@freeuk.com

Impressive five-acre garden with a large collection of mature shrubs, including over 200 rhododendron species, many camellias, magnolias including campbellii, embothriums, telopeas, perennials, over 200 hydrangeas and many other rare Southern Hemisphere plants. The garden has several interesting paths and is on a hillside running along the rocky shore of the Dee Estuary in Kirkcudbright Bay.

Directions: On the B727 between Kirkcudbright and Borgue on the west shore of the Dee Estuary. Parking at Dhoon Beach public car park, about three miles south of Kirkcudbright. There is a five-minute walk to the house. Please note there will be no vehicular access to 3 Millhall and all visitors should park at Dhoon Beach and walk up to the property.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer's Research UK 60%

Tal-y-Fan

Laurieston Road, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 2BE
Janet & Sarah Wood

By arrangement between 1 March - 30 September (2025)

T:01557 815287 E:woodhill2uk@yahoo.co.uk

An over mature one acre plot is being developed into a many faceted garden with a varied mix of interesting plants. The Secret Path leads to Acer Valley and the Won-Kei Parterre, overlooked by the Loch Corbie Monster. A narrow log-lined way leads to West Wood, from where you follow the Burnside Path by the Flame Tree Forest and through the bamboo arch to Dry Wood to find Wood's Henge. Then up through Bluebell Wood to the top of The Rock, where Big Red, the giant squirrel resides, with views across the Fleet Valley. Back down and cross the lawns below the pond before heading up the granite path to the greenhouse, polytunnel, compost bins and the car park, with its collection of pots and troughs. Visit the front lawn and its well-stocked beds on your way out. Light refreshments may be available by arrangement.

Directions: Take the Laurieston Road north from Gatehouse of Fleet. After one mile fork right and then right at postcode sign. Turn left at top of slope. Tal-y-Fan (red roof) is at the very end.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Kilbryde Castle

Dunblane FK15 9NF
Sir James and Lady Campbell

By arrangement between 16 March - 30 September (2025)

67

T:01786 824897 E:carolaandjames@googlemail.com

W:www.kilbrydecastle.com

Kilbryde Castle gardens cover some 12 acres and are situated above the Ardoch Burn and below the castle. The gardens are split into three parts: informal, woodland and wild. Natural planting (azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias) is found in the woodland garden. There are glorious snowdrops, spring bulbs, and autumn colour provided by clematis and acers.

Directions: Three miles from Dunblane and Doune, off the A820 between Dunblane and Doune. On Scotland’s Gardens Scheme open days the garden is signposted from the A820.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Leighton Library Trust 60%

The Carriage House

Blair Estate, Dalry KA24 4ER
Mr and Mrs Luke Borwick

By arrangement between 29 March - 26 October (2025)

57

T:07831 301294 E:lina@blairtrust.co.uk

Set within the historic Blair policies dating back to the 1500s, at the Carriage House the Borwicks have planted a beautiful arboretum. Built on the vision of generations of Blairs of creating a sanctuary of rare species trees, over the past four years a collection of over 160 trees and shrubs has transformed a 10-acre field into a peaceful refuge with year-round variety and colour. Mown pathways offer different vistas and points of interest including mermaids rescuing a girl, carved by a local artist from a Portuguese Laurel stump. View the 24-year old Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) grown from Blair seed, an avenue of eight different lime trees which earned a Queen's Green Canopy Award, a Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Golden Dawn', and other rare trees. From a bench created from our own wood, enjoy the arboretum’s energy – a special experience. New since 2024 is a beautiful Cumbrian green slate commemorative stone, with superb engraving by the Cordozo Kindersley Workshop: it frames Blair Castle perfectly and honours the three related families who have nurtured this special place since 1105. The Blair crest heads the inscription with the motto “Amo Probos”, and the Royal Scots Greys badge “second to none” recognises the generations of family members serving our country in Scotland’s only cavalry regiment. Wander the Carriage House garden, created from a field since 2002 and planted with many varieties of roses and mature shrubs.

Directions: A737 from Beith. At the roundabout before Dalry take the first left signposted Stewarton. Then go straight on, signposted Bike Route Irvine. Keep going for approximately two miles and keep the estate wall on the right until you come to South Lodge (white building). Turn right down the drive for Blair Estate - The Carriage House is on the right. Public transport to Dalry. Follow SatNav KA24 4ER and enter Blair Estate through the South Lodge.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: The National Trust for Scotland 60%

Bonhard House

Perth PH2 7PQ
Stephen and Charlotte Hay

By arrangement between Groups welcome to enquire (2025)

67

T:07990 574570 E:stephenjohnhay@me.com

Traditional 19th-century garden of five acres approached through an avenue of magnificent oaks. Mature trees, six classified by the National Tree Register as 'remarkable', including a monkey puzzle (1852, one of the first 12 brought to Scotland), sequoias, Douglas fir and a variety of hollies. Reinstated and new herbaceous borders. Rhododendron and azalea beds. Recently planted spring and summer flowering meadow areas with a variety of fruit and nut trees. Beehive and a productive vegetable garden. A new larch arbour with climbing roses and clematis. Grass paths meander through a pond area with shrubs and mature trees. A pinetum with 25 different varieties. Garden emphasis on wildlife habitat as well as aesthetics. Resident red squirrels. Plentiful and varied birdlife.

Directions: On the A94 just under a mile north of Perth take the right turn, signed Murrayshall Country Estate. After approximately one mile take the entrance right marked Bonhard House, at a sharp left turn. From Balbeggie turn left, signposted for Bonhard, one mile north of Scone. Turn right in a half-a-mile, pass any sign for Bonhard Nursery, and enter the drive at sharp right turn.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Freedom from Fistula Foundation 60%

Berandhu

Appin, Argyll PA38 4DD
John and Fiona Landale

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

T:01631 730585 M: 07900 377414 E:johnllandale@gmail.com

A sheltered one-and-a-half acre coastal garden in a scenic setting offering fabulous views over Loch Laich to Loch Linnhe, Castle Stalker and the Morvern hills beyond. Craggy limestone abounds on the undulating site, some of which forms natural rockeries. Native trees mix with introduced firs and conifers. A variety of rhododendrons and azaleas provide spring and early summer colour. A mix of limestone overlaid with peat gives an unusual mix of wild flowers. This well-tended garden also has lovely wild areas of bog garden and woodland.

Directions: In Appin turn off the A828 Connel to Ballachulish road at Gunn's Garage signposted for Port Appin. After one mile when the road turns uphill, it's the first entrance on the right, half way up the hill.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 30% & The Appin Village Hall 30%

Grandhome

Danestone, Aberdeen AB22 8AR
Mrs WJB Paton

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

26

T:01224 722202 E:admin@grandhome.co.uk

Eighteenth-century walled garden incorporating a rose garden and policies with daffodils, tulips, rhododendrons, azaleas, mature trees and shrubs.

Directions: From the north end of North Anderson Drive, continue on the A92 over Persley Bridge, turning left at the Tesco roundabout. After 1¾ miles, turn left through the pillars on a left-hand bend.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

The Tower

1 Northview Terrace, Wormit DD6 8PP
Peter and Angela Davey

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

2c4

T:07768 406946 E:adavey541@btinternet.com

Situated four miles south of Dundee, this one-acre Edwardian landscaped garden has panoramic views over the River Tay. Set on a hill, a series of paths meander around ponds and a small stream, rockeries featuring hellebores and low-level planting, a curved lawn and larger borders. Original woodland paths lead to a granite grotto with a waterfall pool. At the rear of the house the vegetable garden features raised beds made from granite sets. The garden is colourful throughout the summer, with many architectural plants accentuating the clever hard landscape design.

Directions: From B946 park on Naughton Road outside Spar shop. Walk up the unmade path outside and to the left of the shop. The garden enrance is the second gate on the right.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Brain Tumour Research 60%

Rosewells

Baldinnie, Ceres KY15 5LE
Birgitta and Gordon MacDonald

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 August (2025)

67

E:g.macdonald54@hotmail.co.uk

Rosewells, designed by the garden owners, has developed over the last 30 years. It started as a one-and-a-half acre, overgrown paddock. The design is based on the texture and foliage of trees and shrubs to create year-round interest. In spring and summer, colour and scent become increasingly important. In spring, highlights are around 55 magnolias and numerous rhododendrons, many of which are chosen for their foliage. Other highlights include flowering cornus, trillium, fritillaries, erythroniums, peonies, roses, ferns and acers. There have been a number of developments in recent years. More winding paths have been developed creating wildlife friendly areas. There is a new lavender walk which leads to a covered seating area at the bottom of the garden.

Directions: B940 between Pitscottie and Peat Inn, one mile from Pitscottie. Rosewells is the ochre-coloured house.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Save the Children UK 60%

Kirklands

Saline KY12 9TS
Peter and Gill Hart

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

23c467

T:07787 115477 E:peter@kirklandsgarden.co.uk

W:www.kirklandsgarden.co.uk

Kirklands, built in 1832, has been the Hart family home for 48 years. Over the years we have created a garden. The walled garden was reinstated from a paddock to include terracing and raised beds. In 2023 we introduced two bee hives. The woodland garden comes into life in February with snowdrops followed, over the months, by bluebells, hellebores, trilliums, fritillaries, rhododendrons, meconopsis, candelabra primulas and irises. The rockery displays dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas. The herbaceous borders reach their peak in the summer, continuing into early autumn with a display of bright yellow rudbeckia, verbena and echinacea. Down by the Saline Burn there are 30 species of primula in all colours of the rainbow. Over the red or blue bridge there are 20 acres of naturally regenerating woodland with a pathway by the stream. To keep the grandchildren occupied, Peter built a tree house, climbing frame and rope swing, though we hope they will take an interest in gardening too!

Directions: Junction 4, M90, then B914. Parking in the centre of the village, then a short walk to the garden. Limited disabled parking at Kirklands.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Saline & District Heritage Society 60%

A Blackbird Sings

20 Kings Park, Longniddry EH32 0QL
Graham and Maxine Pettigrew

By arrangement between 1 April - 15 September (2025)

46

T:01875 853003

Situated in the Glassel Park Estate, the planting of this long garden reflects East Lothian habitats including moorland, grassland and woodland, as well as areas of related plant varieties such as rockery, roses, ferns, heucheras and peonies. Together they form a pattern of gardens within a garden accessed by boardwalks and woodland paths. A large water lily pond houses newts and a second pond within a rockery is fed by a waterfall, A cold conservatory contains cacti and insectivorous plants. Vertical structure is provided by a large number of specimen small trees such as Cornus, maples, magnolias, contorted Robinia, Chinese rowan, Davidia and Honey Locust. Animal and bird carvings in wood by Graham reflect local fauna.

Directions: By car: enter Dean Road from A198, right at Kings Avenue, right at Kings Park. House is at the end of the second cul-de-sac. By bus (124, X5): Cunningham Court stop, down Cunningham Court and Old Dean Road to turn right on Kings Avenue and then right at Kings Park.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Leuchie 30% & Scottish Wildlife Trust Ltd 30%

House of Aigas and Field Centre

by Beauly IV4 7AD
Sir John and Lady Lister-Kaye

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

6ek

T:01463 782443 E:info@aigas.co.uk

W:www.aigas.co.uk

The House of Aigas has a small arboretum of named Victorian specimen trees and modern additions. The garden consists of extensive rockeries, herbaceous borders, ponds and shrubs. Aigas Field Centre rangers lead regular guided walks on nature trails through woodland, moorland and around a loch.
Champion Trees: Douglas fir, Atlas cedar and Sequoiadendron giganteum

Directions: Four-and-a-half miles from Beauly on the A831 Cannich/Glen Affric road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Highland Hospice: Aird branch 60%

Glassmount House

by Kirkcaldy KY2 5UT
Peter, James and Irene Thomson

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

7

T:01592 890214 E:mcmoonter@yahoo.co.uk

Densely planted walled garden with surrounding woodland. An A-listed sundial, Mackenzie & Moncur greenhouse and historical doocot are complemented by a number of newer structures. Daffodils are followed by a mass of candelabra and cowslip primula, meconopsis and Cardiocrinum giganteum. Hedges and topiary form backdrops for an abundance of bulbs, clematis, rambling roses and perennials, creating interest through the summer into September. The garden is now extending beyond the walls, with new areas of naturalistic planting blending the boundary between the surrounding fields and the woodland.

Directions: From Kirkcaldy, head west on the B9157. Turn left immediately after the railway bridge on the edge of town. Follow the single track road for one-and-a-half miles and cross the crossroads. Glassmount House is the first turning on your right.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Parkinsons UK 60%

Fernlea Garden

Corvisel Road, Newton Stewart DG8 6LW
Mrs Jenny Gustafson

By arrangement between Homemade teas on 10th August, teas can be provided with prior arrangement for 'by arrangement' visitors (2025)

c6

T:07909 951885/ 01671 638273 E:floralbasket@proton.me

A secluded town garden of a third-of-an-acre, it was created in 2006 to complement a new house. There are many rare and unusual trees and shrubs. Two herbaceous borders, one with hot colours and the other pastels. A Chinese-inspired corner, small pond, fruit trees including a Galloway pippin apple and soft fruit. The upper part of the garden is hidden behind a tall beech hedge, where there is a summer house and adjacent woodland planting.

Directions: Turn right at the roundabout on the A75 if coming from Dumfries direction. Go left at the cattle market (opposite the Crown Hotel) and it is the first through road on the right.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: GDI: red squirrels, East Wigtownshire 60%

Hunter's Tryst

95 Oxgangs Road, Edinburgh EH10 7BA
Jean Knox

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

4

T:07708 653584 E:jean.knox@blueyonder.co.uk

Well-stocked and beautifully designed, mature, medium-sized town garden comprising herbaceous and shrub beds, lawn, fruit and some vegetables, water features, seating areas, trees and an example of cloud pruning. This is a wildlife-friendly garden that has been transformed from a wilderness 40 years ago and continues to evolve. In 2017 two raised beds were added to the front garden. This hidden treasure of a garden was featured on Beechgrove in June 2015 and on The Instant Gardener in June 2016.

Directions: From Fairmilehead crossroads head down Oxgangs Road to Hunter’s Tryst roundabout and it's the last house on the left. Buses 4, 5, 27, 400. The bus stop is at Hunter’s Tryst and the garden is opposite.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Lothian Cat Rescue 30% & St.Columba’s Hospice Care 30%

The Croft

Houston Road Langbank PA14 6XT
Oliver Miller

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

49

E:edburd@btinternet.com

This special 1 acre garden is on a steep rocky site facing north overlooking the Clyde just opposite Dumbarton Rock. There were mature elms when we arrived in 1981which have been replaced with several varieties of birch and rowan, a flowering Davidia also Liriodendron (tulip tree) and a Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood). There are some magnolias and a good collection of acers together with rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Around the waterfall tree ferns are happy, ferns in general enjoy the shady damp conditions. The Trachycarpus palms from the mountains of China also grow well. Some of the newly introduced bamboos with blue, black, golden and green culms (canes) are now over 25ft tall. In summer the hydrangeas take over, there is a wide selection including the Aspera section with their huge flowers and fuzzy leaves. Autumn brings the reds, oranges and yellows on acers, rowan, Parrotia, Cercidiphyllum. There is a rushing stream (usually) four springs and several ponds. The garden is steep, there are steps/paved paths and it can be wet. Stout footwear and care is essential.

Directions: From Langbank, take the Houston Road out of the village, under railway bridge and The Croft is 100 yards on the left (look out for conical yews).

Admission: £7.50, children free

Charities: Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue 60%

Burnside

Littlemill Road, Drongan KA6 7EN
Sue Simpson and George Watt

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

067

T:01292 592445 E:suesimpson33@btinternet.com

This maturing and constantly changing six-and-a-half acre garden began in 2006. There is a wide range of plants from trees to alpines, giving colour and variability all year. Next to the road flows the Drumbowie Burn, parallel to which is a woodland border with snowdrops, erythroniums, hellebores, trilliums, rhododendrons and acers. Near the house are a raised bed and large collection of troughs, with an interesting range of alpines. The garden boasts herbaceous beds, ericaceous garden, screes, three alpine glasshouses with award-winning plants, an extensive Streptocarpus collection, polytunnel, pond and arboretum - underplanted with daffodils, camassia, fritillaries and crocus. With a view towards matrimonial harmony, there are two sheds which may be of interest. The garden is only 15 minutes from Dumfries House.

Directions: From the A77 Ayr bypass take the A70 Cumnock for 5¼ miles, at Coalhall, turn onto the B730 Drongan (south) for 2½ miles. Burnside entrance is immediately adjacent to a black/white parapeted bridge. Ordnance survey grid ref: NS455162.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer's Research UK 60%

Dundonnell House

Little Loch Broom, Wester Ross IV23 2QW
Dundonnell Estates

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

6e7

T:07789 390028 E:sueandwill@icloud.com

Camellias, magnolias and bulbs in spring, rhododendrons and laburnum walk in this ancient walled garden. Exciting planting gives all year round interest, centred around one of the oldest yew trees in Scotland. A water sculpture, unique Victorian glass house, riverside walk, arboretum - all in the valley below the peaks of An Teallach.
Champion Trees: Yew and Holly

Directions: Turn off the A835 at Braemore on to the A832. After 11 miles take the Badralloch turn for a ½ mile.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Médecins Sans Frontières 30% & Environmental Investigation Agency 30%

Ruthven Cottage Hardy Plant Nursery

Delnies, Nairn IV12 5NT
Mari and Kevin Reid

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

5

T:07874 779705 E:kevin.mari@gmail.com

The garden has exciting interest all year round. It features several large colourful herbaceous borders and many of the plants are sold at the nursery. The naturalistic style of planting with grasses and perennials looks good from late spring to late summer. There is also a pond, greenhouse and chickens.

Directions: From Inverness take the A96 to Nairn, Ruthven Cottage is on your left just before the Sandown Road Crossroads. From Nairn the entrance is on your right off the A96. Ruthven Cottage is at the end of the lane.

Admission: by donation

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Pitcurran House

Abernethy PH2 9LH
The Hon Ranald and Mrs Noel-Paton

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 August (2025)

3c467

T:01738 850933 / 07760 420485 E:patricianp@pitcurran.com

This end-of-village garden was created 21 years ago. It includes an interesting combination of trees, rare shrubs and herbaceous plants including azaleas, rhododendrons, tree peonies, trillium and veratrum. Also a rose pergola, eucryphias and a large west-facing hydrangea border for the later summer. Above the pond there is a good collection of pink and white-barked birch and a young arboretum, from which there are fine views over the Earn and Tay valleys.

Directions: South-east of Perth. From the M90 (exit nine) take the A912 towards Glenfarg, go left at the roundabout onto the A913 to Abernethy. Pitcurran House is at the far eastern end of the village. Buses run through Abernethy from Perth and the surrounding districts.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Breakthrough T1D: (formerly Juvenile Diabetes RF) 60%

Thirlestane

Kelso TD5 8PD
Catherine Ross and John Wylie

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

67

T:01573 420487 E:catherineaross37@gmail.com

Thirlestane is a large informal garden. There is a walled garden with colour-themed borders and an orchard with many old varieties of fruit trees. In front of the house prairie planting is surrounded by high beech hedges. The young nine-acre wood has trees and shrubs selected for autumn colour and for decorative bark and fruit. These include Persian Ironwood, Golden Rain Tree, Scarlet Oak, Monarch Birch, Himalayan Birch, Tibetan Cherry, Chinese Hawthorn and various maples.

Directions: Thirlestane is near Yetholm, not to be confused with Thirlestane Castle, Lauder. Do not follow SatNav, it will try to take you to Lochside. From Kelso, take the B6352 towards Yetholm for about six miles. Continue past a cottage on the edge of the road. Thirlestane is next on the left, opposite the road to Lochside. From Yetholm, take the road to Kelso for about two miles. After a very sharp corner, Thirlestane is on the right.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 60%

Elvanrock

Watson Street, Banchory AB31 5TR
Margaret Owen

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

49

E:margaret.owen@gmail.com

A town garden on a south-facing slope, redesigned over five years to manage the slopes. Planned for year round colour and ease of care. The garden offers five peaceful seating areas to enjoy the cottage garden borders, surrounded by a selection of rhododendron, Cornus kousa and flowering cherries with views across the Dee Valley.

Directions: By bus, alight at either Banchory Primary school (3 minute walk along Ramsay Road) or at Banchory High Street (10 minute walk uphill via Arbeadie Terrace and Elms Rise). On street parking is available.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Blood Cancer UK 60%

Kirkmuir Cottage

KIlwinning Road, Stewarton KA3 3DZ
Mr and Mrs Brian Macpherson

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 August (2025)

7

E:dhmmacp@gmail.com

This garden was created in 1997 from a small field and includes a large pond which was originally a small quarry. It covers approximately one-and-a-half-acres of mature garden and, using hedging and shrubbery the garden is split into garden 'rooms' including woodland, formal borders, laburnum arch, herbaceous borders, rhododendrons and azaleas. Large lawn area and wildlife pond. The garden also features many interesting and unusual artefacts and sculptures.

Directions: From the M77 take the B778 to Stewarton. At the traffic lights, turn left and continue to the mini-roundabout. Turn right towards the B778 Kilwinning. Continue for 100 yards under the railway bridge, take an immediate left at the war memorial and continue along Kilwinning Road until you reach the countryside. Kirkmuir is the first farm road on the right hand side. The cottage and garden is on the left at the end of the farm road. Please follow these directions not SatNav.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Capability Scotland 60%

16 Mulla

Voe, Shetland ZE2 9XQ
Linda Richardson

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

47

T:07765 037516 E:linda@lindarichardson.co.uk

A garden on the Clubb of Mulla, a hillside overlooking Olnafirth with views of the sea and Lower Voe. Started in October 2016, the steep overgrown plot looked like a continuation of the moor at the back of the house. This garden shows what can be achieved in a very windy and exposed situation, battling against the extremes of the Shetland weather. Gardening with wildlife in mind, trees were planted in the spring of 2017, now providing shelter for birds. There are herbaceous borders, rockery, vegetable bed, 3.6 x 2.4 metre greenhouse, mini wildflower meadow strips and a natural water feature which is a long drainage ditch planted up with willows and water-loving plants. Always a work in progress, more trees have been planted to increase wildlife habitat. The owner is an artist-printmaker with an open studio that folk are welcome to look around too.

Directions: Eighteen miles north of Lerwick on the A970 is Voe. Pass the North Isles junction and Tagon Stores on your right. Turn right into Mulla and number 16 is up the hill on your left. Bus no. 21 (Hillswick) and 23 (Toft) stop on the main road at the bottom of Mulla.

Admission: by donation

Charities: RSPB: for projects in Shetland 60%

Auldbyres Farm Garden

Coylton KA6 6HG
Marshall and Sue Veitch

By arrangement between 12 April - 31 August (2025)

67

E:su.pavet@btinternet.com

Surrounded by a working farm, this compact, established garden has mature shrubs, wildlife pond, bog garden and stream, borrowing stunning countryside views towards Ayr and Arran. Well-behaved spring borders give way to a riot of summer perennial favourites. Many 'found objects' of agricultural interest. Extensive containers brighten the farmyard with seasonal displays.

Directions: In Coylton take the road signposted B742, past Coylton Arms Pub in Low Coylton, Auldbyres is signposted on the left after ½ mile.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre 60%

Old Farm Cottage

The Ladywell, Nemphlar, Lanark ML11 9GX
Ian and Anne Sinclair

By arrangement between 18 April - 30 September (2025)

467

T:01555 663345 M: 07833 204180 E:anniesinclair58@gmail.com

Ian and Anne have been developing this delightful one acre garden for twenty five years and it now has something to interest visitors from springtime through until autumn. In April and May daffodils, narcissi, camassias, hellebores, trilliums, spring flowering shrubs and trees light up the garden. A large array of colourful trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plantings, many of them scented, can be enjoyed throughout the rest of the year. Prunus Amanogawa, Amelanchiers, Katsura trees and the spectacular fruit of Cornus kousas are just a few of the plants that you can expect to see. The garden will be of interest not only for gardeners but bird watchers, walkers and photographers.

Directions: Leave the A73 at Cartland Bridge (Lanark to Carluke Road) or the A72 (Clyde Valley Road) at Crossford. Both routes are well signposted. The garden is on the Nemphlar spur of the Clyde Walkway, just off the West Nemphlar Road on Ladywell Lane. One mile walk from Cartland Bridge bus stop.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Dogs Trust 60%

Willowhill

Forgan, Newport-on-Tay DD6 8RA
Eric Wright and Sally Lorimore

By arrangement between 26 April - 31 August (2025)

6

T:01382 542890 E:willowhillfife@btinternet.com

W:www.willowhillgarden.weebly.com

An evolving three-acre garden. The house is surrounded by a series of mixed borders designed with different vibrant colour combinations for effect in all seasons. Spectacular mix of roses, herbaceous perennials and annuals planted through the wide borders are a highlight in mid to late summer. A ‘no dig’ 160-foot border in shades of white, blue, purple and pale yellow was created in 2019/2020. The most recent addition to the garden is another ‘no dig’ border in shades of peach, burgundy, yellow, chocolate and acid yellow. Come and see! April and May for late spring bulbs and flowers; June and July for roses and high summer colour; August for late summer colour. The plant stall includes a lovely selection from the garden. Visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments and picnic in the garden. A season ticket for all these dates, and by arrangement, is £25 plus p&p and admits the ticket holder plus guest. It comes with a limited edition of the Willowhill Garden Guide: 35 pages of beautiful photographs with descriptions of key garden features and plantings. A season ticket with booklet is a perfect gift for garden lovers for a birthday or at Christmas and do treat yourself too! Season tickets are available online at tinyurl.com/yxcj2mzy or by post (cheque for £27.76 payable to Scotland’s Garden Scheme) from Scotland's Gardens Scheme, 23 Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DN.

Directions: 1.5 miles south of Tay Road Bridge. Take the B995 to Newport off the Forgan roundabout. Willowhill is the first house on the left-hand side next to West Friarton Farm Strawberry Shed.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Rio Community Centre 50%

Ardno

Cairndow PA26 8BE
Denzil How

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

7

T:Rob Backhouse Gardener 01499 302304 E:denzil.how@btconnect.com

From the rich, varied landscape, a romantic garden has been created from scratch over the past 25 years. Visitors can stroll in the walled garden near the house, or explore the old oak wood planted with many interesting shrubs. These are growing up fast, adding shape and colour. Across the burn is the gorge and a wonderful waterfall. The woodland garden ends in the meadow, planted with irises and a collection of unusual trees, which continues down to the beach and a magnificent huge rock. My garden is a place to be peaceful in. Come and enjoy, but be prepared as some of the paths are steep with lots of steps and are unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs.

Directions: Situated at the top end of Loch Fyne between Cairndow and St Catherines, off the A815.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Rediweld Foundation 60%

Thorntree

Arnprior FK8 3EY
Mark and Carol Seymour

By arrangement between 1 May - 1 September (2025)

6

T:01786 870710 E:carolseymour666@gmail.com

W:www.thorntreebarn.co.uk

See the amazing views from Aberfoyle and the hills beyond to Doune. Thorntree is a cottage garden that has evolved from growing dried flowers into triangle beds to meander through with more and more plants filling in gaps! This year's task was pruning trees to make sure the sun gets through. The garden is kept with the aid of WRAGS trainees, now our 6th - they come for a year to be trained two days a week. I am so grateful to them all. I kept the garden as much as possible as the farmer's wife who lived here before had it - 33 years ago! Every year is different. In 2024 the hydrangeas all flowered so well, and roses were still in full first bloom in October. We are also usually here so come and see: just email to make sure we are not out.

Directions: On the A811, to Arnprior, then take the Fintry Road; Thorntree is second on the right.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Forth Driving Group RDA SCIO 60%

Glenkyllachy

Tomatin IV13 7YA
Mr and Mrs Philip Mackenzie

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

7

E:emmaglenkyllachy@gmail.com

In a magnificent Highland glen, 1200 feet above sea level, Glenkyllachy is a beautiful garden of shrubs, herbaceous plants, rhododendrons, trees, and spectacular views down the Findhorn River. There are some rare specimens and a recently planted arboretum. Rhododendrons and bulbs flower in May/June, herbaceous plants bloom through July/August with glorious autumn colours in September and October. There is a very productive vegetable garden, polytunnel, fruit cage and greenhouse as well as original sculptures and a Highgrove-inspired wall which provide year round interest. Featured on TV Beechgrove, in The English Garden Magazine and recently in Scottish Field (November 2023). The garden is constantly evolving with new areas being developed and planting schemes changed.

Directions: Turn off the A9 at Tomatin and take the Coignafearn/Garbole single-track road down the north-side of the River Findhorn, there is a cattle grid and gate on the right 500 yards AFTER the humpback bridge and the sign to Farr.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Marie Curie 60%

Damnaglaur House

Drummore, Stranraer DG9 9QN
Frances Collins

By arrangement between Open by arrangement for groups of a minimum of 4 adults. (2025)

67

T:01776 840636/ 07884 435353 E:chunky.collins@btinternet.com

Since moving into Damnaglaur House in 1991, its owners have totally transformed the garden, putting in a series of ‘semi-terraces’ and, following the planting of wind-defeating shrubs, they were able to introduce many special herbaceous plants and trees. Just short of half-an-acre, the garden has slowly evolved into one which feels substantially larger because of its design; the gravel paths weave their way through many hidden corners to come upon countless gems. The views from the garden are stunning, down to Drummore, across Luce Bay and in the far distance, to the Galloway Hills. An archway, arbour and pergola give extra height for the planting. Seating around the garden gives visitors a chance to sit and enjoy their surroundings, especially close to the pond with its numerous fish and trickling waterfall. The inevitable removal of a huge and very old but beloved ash tree with ‘die back’ was accomplished in 2023 but the disruption was amazingly short-lived. The young trees and shrubs planted nearby will take many years to compensate for its loss but the wider area now accommodates more rhododendrons and azaleas, surrounded by a surge of foxgloves. Various areas have been replanted over the past few years, with a small ‘seaside’ garden being introduced.

Directions: From Drummore, follow signs to the Mull of Galloway for a mile on the B7041 to junction with B7065; Damnaglaur is on the right.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: British Red Cross: Yemen appeal 60%

Eas Mhor

Cnoc-a-Challtuinn, Clachan Seil, Oban PA34 4TR
Mrs Kimbra Lesley Barrett

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

2c4

T:01852 300469 E:kimbra1745@gmail.com

All the usual joys of a west coast garden plus some delightful surprises! A small contemporary garden on a sloping site - the emphasis being on scent and exotic plant material. Unusual and rare blue Borinda bamboos (only recently discovered in China) and bananas. The garden is at its best in mid to late summer when shrub roses and sweet peas fill the air with scent. The delightful, sunny deck overlooks stylish white-walled ponds with cascading water blades. Recent additions include a 20-foot citrus house, Chinese pergola walk and peony border.

Directions: After arranging a visit and agreeing a time, you will be met at the Tigh An Truish car park by the Atlantic Bridge, Isle of Seil. Or if travelling by bus, you will be met off the bus and taken to Eas Mhor. Please inform Mrs Barrett the time of your arrival. The bus stops at the bottom of Cnoc-a-Challtuinn Road.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: ABWA: Argyll & Bute Woman's Aid - support for domestic abuse - Oban Branch 60%

Brooklands

Crocketford DG2 8QH
Mr and Mrs Robert Herries

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

67

T:Gardener, Matthew Grieve: 07765 491902

Large old walled garden with a wide selection of plants, including some interesting shrubs and climbers and a kitchen garden. Mature woodland with many established rhododendrons and azaleas, and carpeted with snowdrops in February.

Directions: Turn off the A712 Crocketford to New Galloway Road one mile outside Crocketford at the Gothic gatehouse (on the right travelling north).

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Drumpark

Irongray DG2 9TX
Mr and Mrs Iain Mitchell

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 August (2025)

e7

T:01387 820323 or 07743 895351 E:iain.liz.mitchell@gmail.com

Well-contoured woodland garden and extensive policies nurture mature azaleas, rhododendrons and rare shrubs among impressive specimen trees. Water garden with primulas and meconopsis. Victorian walled garden with fruit trees and garden produce. There is also a beautiful herbaceous border. All planting is set in a natural bowl providing attractive vistas.
Champion Trees: Abies cephalonica, Abies procera, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Cryptomeria japonica.

Directions: Dumfries bypass, head north on the A76 for a half mile, turn left at the signpost to Lochside Industrial Estates and immediately right onto Irongray Road; continue for five miles; the gates are next to a lodge looking like a gingerbread house and set in a sandstone wall on the left (half-mile after Routin’ Brig).

Admission: by donation

Charities: Loch Arthur 60%

101 Greenbank Crescent

Edinburgh EH10 5TA
Jerry and Christine Gregson

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 August (2025)

4

T:0131 447 6492 E:jerry_gregson@yahoo.co.uk

The house is on a busy bus route, but it hides a fascinating garden on a sloping site. There are views over Braidburn Valley Park to the Pentland Hills. Paths wind down from the oval lawn, past a handsome magnolia tree, to a terrace which overlooks a water feature and flowering shrubs. Further steps lead past a scree bed of azalea and rhododendron to a productive area of vegetable beds and a neatly-concealed composting area. We aim to have colour, contrast and interest all year round.

Directions: From the city centre take the A702 through Morningside. Continue uphill and turn right at Greenbank Church on to Greenbank Crescent. Buses 5 and 16; the stop is for Greenbank Row.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: St.Columba’s Hospice Care 60%

The Potting Shed

Broughton Place, Broughton, Biggar ML12 6HJ
Jane and Graham Buchanan-Dunlop

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

c67

T:01899 830574 E:buchanandunlop@btinternet.com

A one-acre garden begun from scratch in 2008, on an exposed hillside at 900 feet. It contains herbaceous plants, climbers, shrubs and trees - all selected for wind resistance and ability to cope with the poor, stony soil. There are usually fine views to the Southern Uplands.

Directions: Signposted from the main A701 Edinburgh - Moffat Road, immediately north of Broughton village.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Nomad Beat Ltd: Peebles Community Music School 60%

Carig Dhubh

Bonskeid, Pitlochry PH16 5NP
Jane and Niall Graham-Campbell

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

7

T:01796 473469 E:niallgc@btinternet.com

'I don’t know how Niall and Jane manage to grow their splendid meconopsis on the sand and rock of their garden but they do, most successfully.' In this stunning situation, when not admiring the views, you will find wonderful primulas, cardiocrinum and meconopsis, all interspersed between beautiful shrubs and other herbaceous plants. Look up and in July you will see roses flowering 40 feet up in the tree. This is a gem of a garden and you will be welcomed by Niall and Jane Graham-Campbell with all their expert knowledge.

Directions: Take the old A9 between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie, turn west on the Tummel Bridge Road B8019, Carig Dhubh is three-quarters of a mile on the north side of the road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Earl Haig Fund Poppy Scotland 60%

Beechwood

Broughton, Peeblesshire ML12 6HH
Susheila and James Gordon

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

267

T:07810 837068 or 01899 830443 E:susheilarachan@gmail.com

W:www.rachan.co.uk

An informal sculptor's garden adjacent to a mature woodland and pond. A well-planted stream runs through the garden. There are varied perennial meadows to encourage wildlife and provide forage for the resident bees, it also features many examples of the owners' artworks which are inspired by the natural world.

Directions: Approximately one mile south of Broughton take the B712 off the A701. Then first left turn onto unmade road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: MND Scotland 60%

Lennel Bank

Coldstream TD12 4EX
Mrs Honor Brown

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

07

T:01890 882297 E:honor.b.brown@gmail.com

Lennel Bank is a terraced garden overlooking the River Tweed, consisting of wide borders packed with shrubs and perennial planting, some unusual. The water garden, built in 2008, is surrounded by a rockery and utilises the slope, ending in a pond. There is a small kitchen garden with raised beds in unusual shapes. Different growing conditions throughout the garden from dry, wet, shady and sunny, lend themselves to a variety of plants and enhance interest in the garden.

Directions: On the A6112 Coldstream to Duns road, one mile from Coldstream.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: British Heart Foundation 60%

Old Allangrange

Munlochy IV8 8NZ
J J Gladwin

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

e

T:01463 811304 E:office@blackislegardendesign.com

We have an ornamental garden surrounding the house (new information discovered dates it from the 17th rather than 18th Century), and a three acre productive garden with two Keder greenhouses, designed using agroforestry and permaculture principles and gardened bio-dynamically using no-dig technique. The ornamental garden has different areas with distinctive characters. There is a parterre in front of the house with informal planting, a lower garden, an ornamental propagation garden, a mound and orchard. Hedges, (pleached lime, yew, beech, box, holly and mixed species field hedges) clipped in various styles connect the different areas of the garden. We have started to remove perimeter wire fences replacing them with log hedges and brash bunds. With a keen interest in gardening for biodiversity from the soil upwards, no chemicals have been used since our arrival in 1995. The development and improvement of the garden is ongoing.
Champion Trees: Yew and sweet chestnut.

Directions: From Inverness head four miles north on the A9, and follow the directions for Black Isle Brewery. Park up at the Brewery and walk down to the garden. Directions will be given in the shop.

Admission: £7.50, children free

Charities: Flourish 60%

Orchard Cottage

Lunan Bay, Inverkeilor, Arbroath DD11 5SS
Carol Evans

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

2ck9

T:07485 609506

This is a cottage garden 20 years in the making. Lots of art is incorporated and plenty of seating to catch the precious sun. The garden is divided into four main areas: lawned with wall and borders; a pond area with abundant planting and greenhouse; a productive area with raised beds, fruit cage and a converted aviary; and finally a shaded garden spot to look to Red Castle. The garden is about abundance and cultivated plants sit side-by-side with wild flowers, giving colour and interest for as much of the year as possible.

Directions: From Inverkeilor on the A92 north of Arbroath, take the turn off for Lunan Bay. After 1½ miles, you come to a T junction. Ignore the farm track opposite. Take the left turn and after 200 yards approx you start to go downhill. There is a house on the left called the Bears Den. Take the first right turn as you start to go downhill. It's an unmade track with four houses listed. Orchard Cottage is the first on the left with wooden gates.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: LBCP: Lunan Bay Communities Partnership 60%

Barochreal

Kilninver, Oban, Argyll PA34 4UT
Nigel and Antoinette Mitchell

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

46

T:01852 316151 E:antoinettemitchell1946@gmail.com

W:www.barochreal.co.uk

The garden was started in 2006. Fencing and stone walling define it from the rest of Barochreal land. Every year an area has been added, resulting in the gardens you will see today. There are rhododendron banks, a water feature, waterfalls and burns, a pond, a walled rose garden, active beehives (now housed in a purpose-built bee shelter built in 2021), tiered areas, a greenhouse and wild garden across the burn. Maintained walking tracks in the fields lead to viewpoints. Biodiversity studies revealed that rare butterflies inhabit the small glen by the waterfall. There are forty different species of moths including rare micro moths and over seventy species of wildflowers in the fields, including three types of wild orchid. There is an abundance of wildlife including red squirrels, pine martens and a wide range of birds can be seen. This garden is a haven of tranquillity, as seen in episode 9 of 2022 Beechgrove Garden.

Directions: Fifteen minutes south of Oban. On the main A816 Oban to Lochgilphead road just to the south of the village of Kilninver on the left-hand side of the road. Bus Oban - Lochgilpead stops at Kilninver School, short walk after. Please disregard SatNav and use what3words address instead www.w3w.co/albums.forest.tinned

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Scottish SPCA 60%

Netherbyres

Eyemouth TD14 5SE
Col S J Furness

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 August (2025)

57

T:01890 750337

An unusual, elliptical walled garden, dating from 1740, with a mixture of flowers, fruit and vegetables. A very old pear tree, possibly dating from the 18th century, and the largest rose in Berwickshire, Rosa filipes 'Kiftsgate'. A wide variety of roses and herbaceous borders.

Directions: ½ mile south of Eyemouth on the A1107 to Berwick.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Dal an Eas

Kilmore, Oban PA34 4XU
Mary Lindsay

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

2c7

T:01631 770246 E:marylindsayargyll@googlemail.com

An informal organic country garden with the aim of increasing the biodiversity of native plants and insects while adding interest and colour with introduced trees, shrubs and naturalised perennials. There is a structured garden round the house and beyond there are extensive flower-filled ‘meadows’ with five different species of native orchid. Grass paths lead to waterfalls, vegetable plot, woodland garden, views and ancient archaeological sites.

Directions: From Oban take the A816 to Kilmore three-and-a-half miles south of Oban. Turn left on the road to Barran and Musdale. Keep left at the junction for Connel. Dal an Eas is approximately one mile on the left before the big hedges.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Beech Cottage

The Wynd, Muthill PH5 2AP
Rosalyn Serex

By arrangement between 1 May - 1 September (2025)

34

T:07590 813509 E:rosalyn@serex.me

Nestled at the foot of The Wynd in the conservation village of Muthill, the garden is surrounded by the ancient trees of Lindores. The main attraction of the garden is the collection of 200 roses interspersed with companion perennials. A well planted Koi pond provides a relaxing area to be seated.

Directions: The Wynd is a street perpendicular to Drummond Street. The street name is clearly displayed on the corner house. The cottage is at the bottom of The Wynd approx 80 metres slightly downhill. Please note The Wynd is very narrow and is not suitable for large vehicles and is extremely difficult to turn around. Recommend using Drummond Street to park where there are usually sufficient spaces. Bus routes in Muthill: 18 – Auchterarder/Crieff; 45 - Town Service/Crieff; 15A – Perth/ St Fillans or Stirling; 615 – Perth/ St Fillans or Stirling. Bus stops are on Drummond Street - from here, head east towards the church/old church monuments.

Admission: by donation

Charities: The Dystonia Society 60%

Barlockhart Lodge

Glenluce DG8 0JG
Barlockhart Gardeners

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

0c6

T:07821 776226 E:neilharper1962@btinternet.com

A newly-created garden, on a domestic scale, which is very much a work in progress. The main part is a reclaimed riding manege, which has been transformed with meandering paths around borders planted with perennials and grasses to reflect the local undulating landscape. A rockery border and greenhouse are to one side of the house and traditional cottage-style borders are to the front and other side. A small vegetable plot with raised beds and a polycarbonate greenhouse is to the rear. The garden is situated about a mile from Luce Bay and has the benefits of the Gulf Stream, but the disadvantages of an exposed, shadeless position.

Directions: Take the A75 to Glenluce. On the hill which links the two Glenluce turnoffs, take the single-track unmarked lane, signposted for Whithorn Way. Property is roughly one mile along the lane, on the left.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: PIRSAC 60%

West Leas

near Bonchester Bridge TD9 8TD
Mr and Mrs Robert Laidlaw

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

67

T:01450 860711 E:ann@johnlaidlawandson.co.uk

The visitor to West Leas can share in an exciting and dramatic project on a grand scale, one that is constantly growing and evolving. A feat of liquid engineering, with a cascading stream contrasting with slow water pools. At its core is a passion for plants, allied to a love and understanding of the land in which they are set. Collections of perennials and shrubs lighten up the landscape to magical effect. The lily pond and woodland planting was added in 2019 and a courtyard garden links to the humidity controlled garden rooms housing a collection of exotics .

Directions: Signposted off the Jedburgh/Bonchester Bridge Road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support: Borders Appeal 60%

Highlands Garden

East Voe, Scalloway, Shetland ZE1 0UR
Sarah Kay

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) (2025)

4

T:01595 880526/ 07818 845385 E:info@easterhoull.co.uk

W:www.selfcatering-shetland.co.uk/the-garden/

The garden is in two parts. The upper garden is mostly a rockery, with a large selection of plants, shallow pond, seating area, polycrub and greenhouse with fruit and vegetables. The lower garden is on a steep slope with a spectacular sea view over the village of Scalloway. There is a path to lead visitors around and the garden features a large collection of plants, vegetable patch, deep pond and pergola. It was awarded a Shetland Environmental Award in 2014 for its strong theme of recycling. The owner also has an art studio which you are most welcome to visit when you view the garden.

Directions: Follow the A970 main road towards the village of Scalloway. Near the top of the hill heading towards Scalloway take a sharp turn to the left, signposted Easterhoull Chalets. Follow the road to chalets (painted blue with red roofs) and you will see the yellow SGS sign for the garden. Bus 4 from Lerwick/Scalloway.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support 60%

The Secret Garden

Isle of Lismore, Oban, Argyll PA34 5UL
Eva Tombs

By arrangement between 1 May - 1 September (2025)

2c

T:07786 374931 E:eva.tombs@gmail.com

A unique garden at the centre of a biodynamic farm on the Island of Lismore in the Inner Hebrides. The garden created from a field has a strong geometric layout that reflects the ecclesiastical history of the island. It has a vegetable garden, a tree nursery, a physic garden, an orchard and a polytunnel. The garden is a haven for wildflowers, birds, bees and butterflies. Standing stones, meadows, new woodlands, mountains and the sea encompass the whole. There is also a herd of rare breed Shetland cattle, chickens, ducks and friendly cats.

Directions: Please telephone for directions. Approximately two miles from Port Appin ferry.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 30% & Oban Gaelic Choir 30%

Kildalloig

Campbeltown PA28 6RE
Mr and Mrs Joe Turner

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

7

T:07979 855930 E:kildalloig@gmail.com

Coastal garden with some interesting and unusual shrubs including Australasian shrubs and trees, climbing roses, and herbaceous perennials. There is a woodland walk and a pond garden with aquatic and bog plants.

Directions: Take the A83 to Campbeltown, then three miles south-east of the town past Davaar Island.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support 30% & Marie Curie 30%

Struanbridge

Essich Road, Inverness IV2 6AH
Marcus and Catriona Jenks

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

247

E:mjenks@greenx.co.uk

A small, well-stocked garden approximately three miles from Inverness city centre, set on three levels each with its own distinct character. The entrance to the garden includes a decking area with a small fruit garden and raised beds. The small mid-tier area consists of mainly hydrangeas and rhododendrons and the very informal, hidden lower garden includes a wildlife pond, raised beds, and shaded garden area with a greenhouse, all framed by an old stone bridge and a small burn. Due to its layout, the garden is not suitable for wheelchairs and requires the ability to climb a number of steps to view.

Directions: From the Inverness Southern Distributor road (A8082) exit the Essich roundabout onto Essich Road. Struanbridge is located exactly a ½ mile from the roundabout, on the left. Parking is restricted.,

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Mikeysline 60%

Ilha de Deus

Tiroran, Isle of Mull PA69 6ET
John Innes

By arrangement between 1 June - 31 August (2025)

2c79

T:01681705022 E:johninnes2009@hotmail.com

Half-acre garden with stunning views of Loch Scridain, the Ross of Mull, and surrounded by mountains and community forest. The current owner has been developing the garden over the last four years with a collection of rhododendrons, camellias, fruit trees, roses, ferns, peonies, lilies and a few exotics from the southern hemisphere, together with three small ponds. Dogs welcome on leads. Small selection of plants for sale. Kindly walk on gravel paths and grassy areas only.

Directions: From A849 (Craignure to Fionnphort) turn right at Kinloch junction onto B8035 'Scenic route to Salen'. The Garden is on the left after 4.5 miles immediately opposite Balevulin. The Saltire is flying when the wind is below 30mph.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Open Doors with Brother Andrew 60%

Hawk House Gardens

Hawk House, Covington Road, Thankerton, Biggar ML12 6NE
Mr and Mrs A Milner-Brown

By arrangement between 1 June - 31 August (2025)

9

T:07831645527 E:angela@therathouse.com

We invite you to explore our formal and wild gardens at Hawk House, hidden inside protective mixed hedges, with formal gardens, a wildflower meadow, woodland and far-reaching views to the Scottish Borders and Tinto Hills. Since moving here in 2022, bringing many plants from our extensive collections from the nearby manse, we have developed new garden features. These include herbaceous borders, an alpine garden, and hosta beds; there is also a pond, vegetables and fruit, leading to the established wildflower meadow (80 species in 2024) and a hilltop pavilion nestled into the woodland. The garden has a strong environmental ethic, whilst, we hope, adding touches of humour and colour to this two-plus acre plot. 

Directions: Please contact owner for full directions: location: https://w3w.co/stun.scorched.footsteps

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust 60%

Two Gardens in Banchory Devenick

Banchory Devenick AB12 5XT
Angela and Derek Townsley and Jane and Terry O'Kelly

By arrangement between 1 June - 31 August (2025)

2

T:text 07712 528450 E:janeokelly868@gmail.com

Pinetrees Cottage Banchory Devenick AB12 5XR (Angela and Derek Townsley): A mature garden set in three-quarters of an acre, filled with a wide range of hardy plants including rhododendrons, azaleas, acers, topiary and roses, with two ponds. An alpine house is fronted by stone troughs filled with rock plants. Set in a backdrop of mature pine trees to the north and open fields to the south.

Whin Cottage Ardoe, Aberdeen AB12 5XT (Jane and Terry O'Kelly): A cottage garden of just under half an acre surrounded by farmland. It features a border of rhododendrons and azaleas, several mixed borders, two formal rose beds, a wildlife pond and four raised beds growing a variety of vegetables and flowers for the house. The garden reflects a love of colour and structure and an interest in wildlife.

Directions: Pinetrees Cottage: Banchory Devenick is four miles from Bridge of Dee. Turn off B9077 at Banchory Devenick church. Follow to T-junction, turn right. Next right is Butterywells Steading. Turn into opening and follow track, go around the back of farmhouse (Lochend) and continue on track to Pinetrees. Whin Cottage: Take the B9077 out of Aberdeen. After approximately two miles turn left immediately after Banchory Devenick Church, signposted Banchory Devenick. (There is parking available along the verge on the left.) Turn right after 100 metres. Whin Cottage is on the right immediately after you have turned. There is limited parking outside the cottage.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Fighting For Sight Aberdeen 60%

The Old Manse

Sandhead, Stranraer DG9 9JT
Geoff and Teri Birch

By arrangement between 1 June - 30 September (2025)

4

T:01776 830455 E:birchteri@gmail.com

A garden for plant lovers recently designed, landscaped and planted by the current owners. Comprising about half an acre, the garden is surrounded by stone walls and features a natural burn, two bridges, a Japanese inspired slope border, a formal parterre, a rose garden, rockeries and a shady woodland area. The Old Manse is close to Logan Botanic Gardens and enjoys the same temperate climate making a range of unusual and interesting planting possible. The colour themed borders include herbaceous perennials, shrubs, young trees, alpines, roses, grasses and bulbs which ensure continuity of interest throughout the seasons.

Directions: From Stranraer take the A716 south following signs for Drummore; past Sandhead, look for a tourist sign for Kirkmadrine Stones and Clachanmore and turn immediately right. The Old Manse is on the corner on the right (known locally as Doctors’ Corner’. A bus service is available from Stranraer and stops at Doctors’ Corner.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Board Of Trustees Of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 60%

Portmore

Eddleston EH45 8QU
Mr and Mrs David Reid

By arrangement between 1 June - 31 August (2025)

1c45d7

T:07905 776894

W:www.portmoregardens.co.uk

Lovingly created by the current owners over the past 30 years; the gardens surrounding the David Bryce-designed mansion house contain mature trees and offer fine views of the surrounding countryside. Large walled garden with box-edged herbaceous borders is planted in stunning colour harmonies, potager, rose garden, pleached lime walk and ornamental fruit cages. The Victorian glasshouses contain fruit trees, roses, geraniums, pelargoniums and a wide variety of tender plants. There is also an Italianate grotto and water garden with shrubs and Meconopsis. The woodland walks are lined with rhododendrons, azaleas and shrub roses. Starred in Good Gardens Guide and featured in Kenneth Cox’s book Scotland for Gardeners and on Beechgrove.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00318

Directions: Off the A703 one mile north of Eddleston. Bus 62.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Abundant Borders (SCIO) 60%

1 Burnton Road

Dalrymple KA6 6DY
David and Margaret Blatchford

By arrangement between 1 June - 31 August (2025)

4

T:01292 561988 E:d.blatchford273@btinternet.com

A tiny slice of jungle nestled within a small triangular plot. To the front of the house are two beds planted with nectar-secreting plants and seasonal colour. To the rear, an anonymous door leads to a small patio, home to some bonsai, a collection of potted terrestrial ferns and stone troughs hold tender and hardy succulents. A serpentine path meanders through dense planting of palms, brugmansia, bananas and tree ferns. Of note is the use of hardy and tender bromeliads and a collection of aroids such as Arisaemia, Alocasia, Colocasia and giant Zantedeschia. Flower highlights are provided by lilies (species and cultivars) and later in the season, cannas, and hardy gingers such as Hedychium, Cautleya and Roscoea. Nestling amongst the foliage is the giant leafed Tetrapanax together with the rare, giant terrestrial fern Lophosoria.

Directions: From the north take the A77 Ayr to Stranraer. At the roundabout, turn left onto the A713 and follow the road past the hospital to the junction with B742, turn right into the village. The garden is on the corner of Burnton and Barbieston Roads. From the south take the A77 towards Ayr, turn right onto the B7034. Follow into the village, at Kirkton Inn junction turn left onto Barbieston Road. Bus 52 from Ayr. The 52 leaves Ayr bus Station at 20 minutes to the hour and will drop you at the White Horse Pub in the centre of the village.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Dalrymple, Skeldon and Hollybush Project 60%

Kirkbrae House

Culross KY12 8JD
Sandra Bannister

By arrangement between 1 June - 30 September (2025)

12c467

E:Sandra.bannister18@gmail.com

An acre of walled garden sitting high in the village of Culross in the shadow of the Abbey. With meandering paths through perennial beds, bright annuals and shrubs and trees from as far as South America and Asia, the garden provides interest from late spring until autumn. The garden aims to provide an environment of joy, surprise and opportunity to sit and enjoy the spectacular garden views of the River Forth.

Directions: The garden is located on Kirk Street. On leaving the lower village start to climb up to the Abbey, the garden gates open directly onto Kirk Street. Car parking is either below the garden or near the Abbey. Buses come into the village from Dunfermline and Kincardine.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Pancreatic Cancer Scotland 30% & Perennial 30%

10 Pilmuir Road West

Forres IV36 2HL
Mrs Lorraine Dingwall

By arrangement between 1 June - 1 September (2025)

c

T:01309 674634 E:fixandig@aol.com

Plantswoman’s small town garden with over 300 cultivars of hostas, an extensive collection of hardy geraniums together with many other unusual plants. Managed entirely without the use of artificial fertilisers or chemicals, the owner encourages hedgehogs, toads and wild birds to control slugs. In early spring there are approximately 150 named snowdrops to be seen, some of which are very rare.

Directions: From Tesco roundabout at Forres continue along Nairn Road. Take the first left onto Ramflat Road, then go right at the bottom and first left onto Pilmuir Road West.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support 60%

5 Knott

Clachamish, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9NZ
Brian and Joyce Heggie

By arrangement between 1 June - 30 September (2025)

6

T:07495 442468 E:jbheggie@hotmail.co.uk

W:www.knottskye.co.uk

An informal, organic garden on a gently-sloping half-acre site. Perimeter hedging has enabled a sheltered and tranquil oasis to be created. Winding paths meander through the densely-planted borders filled with a diverse range of perennials, annuals and shrubs. There is also a vegetable area with raised beds and a large polytunnel. A developing wildflower meadow with sea loch views leads onto a sheltered bay and a shoreside walk to the headland. There are regular sightings of seals, otters, sea eagles and harbour porpoises. There is garden seating in several locations. The garden is situated in an easily-reached, particularly quiet and scenic area of Skye. The garden was featured on Beechgrove in 2023.

Directions: From Portree, take the A87 to Uig/Dunvegan. After approximately three miles, take the A850 towards Dunvegan. Six miles on, pass the Treaslane sign. Turn right on the bend at the signpost for Knott.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: The Way Forward Group 30% & Crossroads Care Skye & Lochalsh 30%

15 Fairfield Road

Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 1NX
Aileen Scoular

By arrangement between 1 June - 30 September (2025)

4679

E:aileen.scoular@me.com

This sunny, contemporary garden contains many mature trees and shrubs, plus lots of recently planted beds and borders. A shady courtyard contains Japanese acers and spring-flowering bulbs, while colourful perennial planting near the house attracts pollinating insects. A new productive area, with raised beds and a greenhouse, is used to grow fruit and veg, plus dahlias and annual cut flowers. The garden is being developed in a sustainable way, where possible – no herbicides or pesticides are used; rainwater is harvested; and the stone used in the landscaping was found in the garden and re-purposed. The garden has a prolific bird and insect population, despite being in an urban location.

Directions: Fairfield Road is easily reached by car, via Dundee Road (A930) or Arbroath Road (A92); by bus - services 73 and 5 both stop on Strathern Road, a two-minute walk away; and by train - Broughty Ferry train station is a 15-20 minute walk. On street parking available.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: RNLI 60%

2 Strathview

Alcaig, Conon Bridge IV7 8HS
Mike and Babs Crocker

By arrangement between 1 June - 30 September (2025)

2c9

T:01349 862799 Text 07817 042206 E:mpbecrock@gmail.com

A medium-sized garden with mature apple trees and a shady maze of paths through beds packed with perennials sloping down to sea level where there are plenty of birds on the estuary to view. Featuring a small greenhouse, steam model railway which works if weather allows. There are a couple of water features fed by rainwater, leading to a small deep pond. Stunning panoramic view across the Cromarty Firth seen from a 'food forest', with fruit trees growing on a set of home designed arches, runner beans, strawberries and apple trees. Achilty stone retaining walls and steps have been added over the last 14 years. Many plants have been chosen for their perfume. There are various seating areas.

Directions: From Tore roundabout head north for Ullapool on the A835. Take the right turn for Findon onto the B9163. After about one mile, turn left along a tree-lined lane (just before the wooden sign for Alcaig. Parking is limited to two cars in one party.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Friends of Alcaig Telephone Box (SCIO) 60%

Keldaberg

Cunningsburgh, Shetland ZE2 9HG
Mrs L Johnston

By arrangement between 1 June - 30 September (2025)

6

T:01950 477331/07774539693 E:linda@cunningsburghhall.com

A ‘secret garden’ divided into four areas. A beach garden of grasses, flowers and driftwood. The main area is a sloping perennial border leading down to a greenhouse and vegetable plot and up to a decked area with containers and exotic plants including agaves, pineapple lilies, cannas and gunneras. There is a small pond with a waterfall and goldfish. The area to the back of the house has retaining walls in which rockery plants can be found and, nestled among trees, an arbour in which to rest. In the newer part of the garden there is a wildlife pond with aquatic plants including water lilies, a gunnera and a few frogs! This is situated below the polycrub, in which I grow vegetables, passion flower and fruit trees such as a peach, pear and plum as well as a grapevine. My other vegetables plots are east of the polycrub.

Directions: On the A970 south of Lerwick is Cunningsburgh, take the Gord junction on the left after passing the village hall. Continue along the road to the second house past the Kenwood sign.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland 60%

Glenrinnes Lodge

Dufftown, Keith, Banffshire AB55 4BS
Mrs Kathleen Locke (please contact Glenrinnes Farms Ltd Estate Office)

By arrangement between 2 June - 30 September (not Saturday & Sunday) (2025)

67

T:01340 820384/073939 28049

W:www.glenrinnes.com

The garden and policies surrounding Glenrinnes Lodge are typical of a Victorian lodge. They are full of exciting colourful borders. Newly-developed areas are now beginning to establish and give year-round seasonal interest in the kitchen garden and glasshouse, the secret garden, labyrinth and bog garden. There are also woodland walks and a flight pond and meadow. If you are lucky, you may spot our red squirrel, otter and pine marten, all caught on our woodland trail camera.

Directions: In the centre of Dufftown at the Clock Tower take the B9009 road to Tomintoul for about one mile. After passing Dufftown Golf Club on your right there is a lane to the left, which leads to two stone pillars to Glenrinnes Lodge.

Admission: £10.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer's Research UK 60%

Gardener's Cottage Walled Garden

Ballochruin Road, Killearn G63 9QB
Derek and Morna Knottenbelt

By arrangement between 15 June - 15 October (2025)

T:01360 551682 E:mornaknottenbelt@hotmail.com

The walled garden, acquired in 2013 by the present owners, has been planted with extensive herbaceous borders, box hedging, roses and many unusual plants. There is a White Garden, a long shrub border with primulas and gentians and a former fernery with a collection of salvias, argyranthemums and peach and pear trees. June is a good time to visit when the roses are in bloom and borders with lupins, peonies, campanulas and other perennials are in flower. In July/August there is a fine collection of phlox in all of the borders, followed by dahlias, Michaelmas daisies, rudbeckias and blue aconitums from August to October. The Celtic Cross Garden was planted in May 2021 with a range of new plants including echinaceas, cardoons, lobelias, anthemis and lavender for mid to late summer colour. There are fine views of the Campsie Hills and the garden is surrounded by the conifers of the Designed Landscape of Carbeth.

Directions: Follow Sat Nav to G63 0LF, which is Carbeth Home Farm on Ballochruin Road, halfway between Balfron and Killearn. We are the next entrance below the farm. Turn left on to the gravel road opposite the yellow Council salt bin and follow yellow SGS signs.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: The British Horse Society: Scotland 60%

Helensbank House

Kincardine FK10 4QZ
David Buchanan-Cook

By arrangement between 16 June - 31 August (2025)

13c4ea

T:07739 312912 E:Helensbank@aol.com

W:www.helensbank.com

Hidden away from public view, this is an 18th-century walled garden, with main feature a Cedar of Lebanon, reputedly planted in 1750 by the sea captain who built the house. The tree is registered as a 'Notable Tree' and while it provides challenges for planting, in terms of shade and needle fall, the microclimate it provides has encouraged the owner's passion for pushing boundaries and growing unusual and exotic plants. Distinctive garden ‘rooms’ in part of the garden comprise a perennial blue and white cottage garden, a formal rose garden and an Italian double courtyard with citrus trees in pots. A ‘hot’ courtyard contains exotics including varieties of banana, acacia, iochroma, impatiens, melianthus and brugmansia. A shaded walk along the bottom of the garden leads to a Japanese themed area including a pagoda and dry river. A large glasshouse hosts various exotic and climbing plants. The garden has well over a hundred roses, including the National Collection of Portland roses.
National Plant Collection: Portland Roses
Champion Trees: The garden has a 'notable' Cedar of Lebanon, the second largest in Fife

Directions: The garden is down a lane off the main Toll Road. SGS signs.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Perennial 60%

Bannockburn House Gardens

Stirling FK7 8EY
Bannockburn House Trust

By arrangement between 1 July - 30 September (2025)

67

T:07980284027 E:gardens@bannockburnhouse.scot

W:www.bannockburnhouse.scot

Bannockburn House, an A-listed mansion built in 1675 by Sir Hugh Paterson, now sits in 26 acres of woodland and gardens. Bonnie Prince Charlie visited in 1746 where he met Clementina Walkinshaw who would become his mistress. Local boy, John McLaren, creator of The Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, began his gardening career here in 1860. The house and gardens suffered from 50 years of neglect before coming into community ownership in 2017 with restoration ongoing. Features include an enclosed kitchen garden supplying fruit and vegetables to two local food banks; herb gardens, an orchard, fruit cages, pollinator garden, wisteria border, labyrinth, polytunnels and raised beds. A short woodland walk passes 'The Five Sisters' - our fabulous giant redwood trees; the Fountain Walk passes our veteran lime trees, a cast-iron fountain (built by Steven in 1888 ), and our award-winning apiary. On 17th August, short tours of the house will also be available - they must be booked online in advance through the Bannockburn House website. The gardens can be viewed by arrangement through July to end September.

Directions: The house entrance is 0.2 miles from the Bannockburn Interchange (M9/Junction 9 roundabout) off the A91.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Bannockburn House Trust 60%

Larch House

Clerklands, Near Lilliesleaf TD6 9JR
David and Julia King

By arrangement between 1 July - 31 August (2025)

37

T:01835 870888 E:northcorner14@btinternet.com

The garden at Larch House is constantly evolving. Extending to over three acres and building on a layout, design and planting by the previous owners, further landscaping and renovation is ongoing. It includes a terraced area of vegetables and cut flowers edged by fruit trees, several mixed borders surrounding a lawn, a large natural wildlife pond and a newly-planted bog garden. The garden leads into a mixed wood planted about six years ago where meandering paths, sometimes steep, lead to extensive views of the Cheviots. Many of the paths are gravel and may prove difficult for wheelchairs.

Directions: Clerklands is a small hamlet approximately two miles from Lilliesleaf. On the A7 from Selkirk, turn left and follow signs to Clerklands. After approximately three miles the house will be clearly signed. On the A7 from Hawick, turn right and follow signs towards Lilliesleaf and the house will be clearly signed. Car parking is on site.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

2 Durnamuck

Little Loch Broom, Wester Ross IV23 2QZ
Will Soos and Susan Pomeroy

By arrangement between 1 July - 30 September (2025)

7k

T:07789 390028 E:sueandwill@icloud.com

W:2Durnamuckgarden.com. You can also find us on Facebook.

Our garden is south-east facing on the edge of Little Loch Broom. It is a coastal plantsman's garden with a rich mix of herbaceous borders, trees and shrubs, vegetables, drystone wall planting. South African/Mediterranean plants, a wild meadow and stunning views. Many of the plants have been collected from all over the world, and growing them has provided obvious challenges but with a pleasing outcome. Featured in 2019 entries in Gardens Illustrated, Homes & Gardens and Beechgrove. Entry in the English Garden magazine in September 2020.

Directions: On the A832, between Dundonnell and Ullapool, take the turning along the single-track road signed Badcaul, continue to the egg shack, turn right, go to the bottom of the hill and 2 Durnamuck is the house with the red roof. There is parking down by the house if needed.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Sandpiper Trust 60%