Time for reflection in gardens at Brodick Castle

The National Trust for Scotland has created a new silver-themed garden in the grounds of Brodick Castle, as part of a bid to more than double visitors to the historic property.

The Silver Garden, which reflects the castle’s extensive silver collection, is part of on-going works that the conservation charity hopes will boost visitors from around 45,000 visitors per year to 100,000. The garden includes four new art installations, along with a silver talking tube, xylophone, and wind chimes.

Among the new sculptures is a life-size statue of a stag, created by artist Sally Matthews and crafted from leaves of Arran Whitebeam and bracken. The piece was inspired by the famous Arran white stag.

The garden also features 21 reflective pillars, which have been influenced by the Machrie Moor Standing Stones. A series of silver bars have also been placed under the Spanish Gate, a historic feature marking the beginning of the woodland garden, which will be restored in full in the months ahead.

Operations manager Jared Bowers said: ‘The garden is a celebration of the spectacular natural environment at Brodick Castle and the different influences that helped to

shape it. Historically, the design of the gardens and grounds was inspired by romanticism. The new additions to the gardens offer a fresh take on these ideals and are perfectly situated within Brodick’s location.

Sensory experience

‘Using reflective materials, the installations create a sensory experience that blend and warp with their surroundings, encouraging people to find their own inspiration in the environment around them.’

Brodick Castle is renowned for its silver collection, which was first gathered by English novelist William Beckford (17601844). Although Beckford never lived on Arran, part of his collection was inherited by the family who owned it.

While the gardens and estate are open to the public, Brodick Castle remains closed until the 2019 season.

Work costing £1.5m to protect the castle from fire has concluded and the National Trust for Scotland is now undertaking a complete reorganisation and re-interpretation of the collection, spending £3 million over the next five years to enhance visitor understanding and enjoyment.

Photographs: National Trust for Scotland

Brodick Castle as viewed from the formal gardens.

Artistic and interactive, the silver talking tube on display at the Brodick Castle gardens.

A striking silver pyramid reflects the sunshine in the Castle gardens.

Operations manager Jared Bowers.

An attractive element of the art installation is the hanging silver xylophone.

A series of silver bars spanning out from beneath the Spanish gate.

Standing tall, an impressive life-sized statue of a stag, inspired by the famous white stag of Arran.

An array of 21 reflective pillars, influenced by the Machrie Moor standing stones.