Argyll makes its mark on map
Garden tourism group, Discover Scottish Gardens, has launched a printed map of Scotland to encourage locals and tourists to visit gardens and attractions throughout the country.
More than 130 gardens are listed on the map, from public and private gardens to woodlands, plant nurseries and accommodation with gardens to explore.
Gardens featured in Argyll and Bute include Benmore Botanic Garden, Mount Stuart, Lip na Cloiche at Ulva Ferry on Mull, Ardmaddy Castle Gardens and Ardkinglas Estate.
According to the Moffat Centre’s Scottish Visitor Attraction Monitor 2017, visits to Scottish gardens increased 10.9 per cent from 2016 to 2017. Research also highlights there are more opportunities to grow the number of international visitors, which currently make up only six per cent of garden visitors to Scotland annually.
Catherine Erskine, chairwoman of Discover Scottish Gardens, said: ‘Our new map of Scotland will help locals and tourists discover the beautiful and varied gardens Argyll and Bute has to offer. We want people to be inspired by Scotland’s breathtaking scenery and learn more about our diverse climate and plant collections that thrive here.
‘Scottish gardens are a huge asset and we continually strive to maximise on the potential to grow their popularity. They can even create their own garden route within Scotland. With the amazing weather we’ve been experiencing recently, now is the perfect time to pick up a map and go exploring.’
The maps can be picked up from shopping centres, bus stations, hotels, gifts shops, tourist attractions and information sites across the country.
To find a location, visit: www.discoverscottishgardens.org/discover-garden-near/