Article Source: Clark Communications
Last Updated: 11 March 2019 12:26
The group, which was launched in 2015 with Growth funding from VisitScotland, has been awarded the grant to help boost its member network of gardens and businesses from across the country, attracting national and international garden visitors to Scotland.
The £37,000 grant was awarded to Discover Scottish Gardens by the LEADER areas of Fife, Angus and Rural Perth and Kinross. This, combined with the group’s membership fees and corporate sponsorship, brings this year’s funds to £61,000. The group intends to use the funds to appoint a new business development officer to support the expansion of its member network. The remaining funds will help the organisation source professional photography and support the design, print and distribution of its garden map of Scotland.
Catherine Erskine, Chair of Discover Scottish Gardens, said: “The funding from Fife LEADER and what we have raised ourselves will enable us to give Scotland’s garden tourism industry a further boost. Discover Scottish Gardens has made great strides with garden tourism over the past four years, encouraging visitors to enjoy our country’s amazing gardens and nurseries. By expanding our member network even further, we can showcase more of Scotland’s finest gardens and hidden gems to local and international tourists.”
Since its inception, Discover Scottish Gardens has attracted over 140 members, including gardens, nurseries and related businesses nationwide, working together to showcase the country’s outstanding horticulture. Member organisations include the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Royal Horticultural Society and Forestry Commission Scotland. More significantly, many rural and independent gardens are also members.
Helen Rorrison, chair of Fife LEADER Local Action Group, said: “This is a great initiative for Fife, Perth and Kinross and Angus as well as the rest of Scotland, particularly rural Scotland, as there is so much on offer here. Collectively promoting our gardens, nurseries and local supporting businesses is a positive step towards a more recognised garden tourism offering in Scotland. LEADER is very pleased to support this project.”
LEADER is part of the 2014- 2020 Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP). It is a funding initiative supported by the Scottish Government and the European Union, which will deliver support of around £52m to economic and community development projects across Scotland.
For more information on Discover Scottish Gardens, visit discoverscottishgardens.org
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MOREA local pupil from Pathhead Primary School in Kirkcaldy is the winner of Miller Homes’ first ever Easter hard hat design competition, the homebuilder’s take on the traditional Easter bonnet.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREGreat Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.
READ MOREFriday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.
READ MORENew research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.
READ MOREA stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!
READ MOREThe AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.
READ MOREA Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.
READ MOREDobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.
READ MOREAn Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.
READ MOREThe Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels across the country to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.
READ MOREScotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this Valentine's weekend and is putting love on display as the country celebrates 10 years of same sex marriage.
READ MORETo mark the anniversary of Mary Queen of Scots’ death, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released a digital 3D model of her death mask.
READ MORERory McIlroy will return to the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick from July 11th-14th, with tickets on sale now!
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, will be indulging people of all ages with its Valentine's Afternoon Tea, taking place across 68 of its stores on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February!
READ MOREFollowing a sell-out run at the Fringe, Jack Docherty, the BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad and Absolutely, is taking his critically-acclaimed show David Bowie & Me: Parallel Lives on tour.
READ MOREWith less than four weeks until the first World Athletics Indoor Champion Glasgow 24 is crowned, organisers have revealed the medal specially commissioned for the event following a design competition.
READ MORE