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Twice a week, Alison Martin spends time volunteering in the worldfamous gardens at Scone Palace, one of Scotland’s largest and most iconic visitor attractions. Alison tells us why she gives her time to helping preserve these magnificent gardens.

“There’s a real sense of pride when visitors comment on how wonderful the gardens are looking at Scone Palace,” she said. “I’ve been a volunteer there for four years and, like the flowers do every year, it has blossomed into more than just something to do in my spare time.

“I retired 10 years ago and in 2010 I moved up to Perth from South Queensferry to be closer to my daughter and granddaughters. We would spend many afternoons in the summer enjoying picnics in the beautiful gardens. When my daughter saw an advert for volunteers to help within the grounds, I just knew it would be a lovely way to spend some of my newly rediscovered time.

“Twice a week I go along to Scone Palace to help in the vast gardens in whatever way I can. I’ve always loved gardening but when I moved I downsized and didn’t have as much space in the garden as I’d have liked. By volunteering, it means I can still get my hands dirty in the garden, but there’s also that social aspect to it too.

“There’s a group of us who come along and we like to have a little chat whilst we’re doing something we all enjoy. For half of the year, it’s just us and the rest of the staff who all keep the palace ticking over in the winter months. Then, in spring, the snowdrops come to life, the daffodils begin to spring up, the palace is open to visitors for the new season, and there’s a real sense of excitement within the grounds which continues throughout the summer and beyond.”

Alison added: “You know that visitors might have only a couple of minutes to talk to you, but it’s always nice to say hello and find out where they’re from and wish them a nice day. I think they appreciate the friendly gesture. Then you get the people who return every season who tell you how much the gardens have improved over the years. That’s always lovely to hear and you’re playing your part in all these little things that will be enjoyed by visitors throughout the year.

“There’s always lots to be doing in the grounds and we all get a chance to work in the different areas. In the early months of the year, we’ll be tending to the winter maintenance of the beds and borders. Then we begin seed sowing in the kitchen garden and planting out in the polytunnel and nurturing them until they grow into tasty ingredients for the café.

“Throughout the year there’s always something going on, but I especially love when all the young children come along to find out about the gardens through the school or during the summer workshops. Their enthusiasm is infectious and they always want to learn about what’s going on.

“It’s the little things that make volunteering at Scone Palace so special – from being part of the little group of 10 of us who work together, to seeing the beautiful gardens blossom, and the satisfaction of seeing the straight lines on the lawn after the grass has been cut!”

Scone Palace is always welcoming those who wish to volunteer and there are currently spaces available in the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday gardening groups.

Alison Martin, Scone Palace volunteer.