Garden opening will help church raise funds for dry rot crisis

A Highland Perthshire garden famed for its impressive collection of rare and unusual plants is to open to the public to help fund urgent work on a local church.

There has been a church at Kenmore for more than 400 years and the present church dates to 1760, when the 3rd Earl of Breadalbane built a model village at Kenmore.

Renovated in 1871, and again in 1924, the church is now in desperate need of further renovation due to dry rot, which it is estimated will cost more than £50,000 to eradicate.

Athel and Annie Price who own Bolfracks Estate have decided to open Bolfracks Gardens on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm for a family day, with all proceeds going to Kenmore Church.

There will be teas, a sausage sizzle, plant stalls, treasure hunt, bric-a-brac, tombola and penny farthing bicycle demonstrations.

Mr Price said: “Annie and I felt it was very important to do whatever we can to help raise awareness and, importantly, funds for Kenmore’s iconic church.

“Anyone who has visited Kenmore will know the church well, as it is located at the top of the main street.

“We are hoping as many people as possible will come to enjoy a good afternoon of fun at Bolfracks Garden, while helping to raise some desperatelyneeded funds for the church .”

There has been an ornamental garden at Bolfracks since the mid-18th Century.

The gardens at Bolfracks are renowned for rhododendrons, azaleas, acers, old-fashioned roses and herbaceous perennials. Bolfracks Garden is two miles west of Aberfeldy on the A827 towards Kenmore.