The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Floral clock provides timely thank-you to NHS and key workers
Work has finished on this year’s floral clock in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.
The display, the oldest of its kind in the world, dates back to 1903 and this year carries a message of thanks for NHS and key workers who have helped the country through crisis.
A team of three gardeners from Edinburgh Council took six weeks to plant the more than 35,000 plants and flowers used in this year’s clock, which will be in bloom until October.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “This year, our legendary floral clock will be paying tribute to the ongoing hard work of the NHS and key workers who we are all so proud of.
“It is an honour to be able to support the invaluable work carried out by the NHS and key workers.
“Doctors, nurses and other health workers have been and should continue to be appreciated by us all.
“This year’s clock is a poignant symbol of our response to the pandemic.
“I hope all NHS employees and key workers in Edinburgh will be able to visit and enjoy the floral tribute.”
Ever since 1946, the clock has been designed in honour of various causes, organisations and individuals.
Some of those that have been honoured by a display include the Girl Guides, Robert Louis Stevenson, and the Queen for her golden jubilee.
Unfortunately, the clock will not be fully functioning for some time, as due to the pandemic certain parts required to make it work properly have been hard to source.
Judith Proctor, chief officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said she welcomed the display.
She said: “The clock’s beautiful design, and the hard work that has gone into creating it, is a fitting reflection of the hard work and excellent care our health and social care staff demonstrate every day.”