Drop by and enjoy view

It’s almost the end of January, which means the snowdrop season is about to arrive – and Angus has some wonderful displays to enjoy.

The Scottish Snowdrop Festival runs from January 28 until March 11 and comprises more than 50 events nationwide, as carpets of the dainty white flowers emerge in gardens and woodlands.

Organised by garden tourism organisation Discover Scottish Gardens, the annual festival is supported by tourist board VisitScotland and Scotland’s Garden Scheme, which facilitates the opening of mostly private gardens in order to raise money for charity.

Angus venues participating include: House of Dun, Langley Park, Ecclesgreig Castle, Kinblethmont House and Lawton House. Each venue has its own event dates so be sure to check prior to visiting.

Visit House of Dun near Montrose, where the handsome Georgian house and its fine gardens provide the perfect backdrop for the blooms. The house sits in its own formal gardens with parkland and woodland beyond. You can explore and enjoy the Victorian walled garden and wooded den, before venturing further afield to the Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve.

Also set overlooking Montrose basin, Langley Park Gardens contains woodland walks with snowdrops nestling at the base of ancient and younger trees. Large drifts of many varieties can be admired.

Ecclesgreig Castle near Montrose is internationally famous as being an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as the author is believed to have spent some time there.

The snowdrop walk starts at the castle, meanders around the estate, along woodland paths and the pond, ending at the garden. The woodlands contain some very interesting trees and shrubs. The garden has classical statues and stunning topiary with views across St Cyrus to the sea.

Lawton House near Arbroath boasts a woodland garden of beech trees carpeted with snowdrops and crocuses in spring, set around a Georgian House. There is also a walled garden planted with fruit trees and vegetables. The property was owned for many years by Elizabeth and Patrick Allan Fraser, who built Hospitalfield House in Arbroath.

Kinblethmont House near Arbroath is set in the rolling Angus countryside. The main house and cottage nestle in the tranquil woodlands in the centre of the arable farmland. There are woodland walks lined with snowdrops and Kinblethmont Gallery to enjoy.

Jonathan Ramsay, director of Kinblethmont Gallery, said: “We have swathes of snowdrops through our woodlands and love to share them with one and all – this year in support of the Arbroath branch of the RNLI.”

Over the years, Scots have fallen in love with the versatile herbaceous plant, scientifically known as Galanthus. There are now over 2,500 named varieties of the winter flower and its adaptability and hardiness means it grows in a great range of locations across the world.

Catherine Erskine, chairwoman of Discover Scottish Gardens and founder of the Snowdrop Festival in Scotland, said: “Many of the festival venues are within the grounds of some of Scotland’s most historic buildings with beautiful surroundings. Adding snowdrops to these landscapes creates a spectacular sight for any visitor.”

Visit discoverscottishgardens.org/ events/ to find events near you.

Snowdrops at Lawton House. Picture: Steve MacDougall.