Famous 18th century walled garden to be restored by charity
Venue set to become a national visitor attraction
The famous walled garden at Auchincruive is to be restored and reopened to the public. The charity Independence from Drug & Alcohol Scotland (IFDAS) has bought the plot at the rural estate in South Ayrshire with the aim of providing a home sited on the estate for 30 people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, who will also work and formally train in the garden for a three year period.
Leading the restoration plan is Colin Crosbie, vice-chair of IFDAS and ex-curator at RHS Garden Wisley. He also worked at the estate while training at the West of Scotland Agricultural College 30 years ago.
“We’ll teach people how to dig, prune, sow seeds and grow fruit and veg,” said Colin. “We’ll use the produce in our restaurant, feed residents and sell off the excess.” An important focal point of the restoration will be an overgrown herbaceous border, once the longest in Scotland.
“Whatever we do will be in keeping with the historic landscape,” added Colin “We’re going to be restoring a garden and growing people, with the aim of it becoming one of Scotland’s great gardens.” l The garden opens from March 23, but won’t be back to full glory for five years. Visit www.ifdas.net.