Members of Ardentinny Community Trust warmly welcomed MSP Mike Russell and local Councillor Ron Simon to the Glenfinart Walled Garden in Ardentinny.

The local MSP and Councillor congratulated trust convener, Dennis Gower, on the Trust agreeing the purchase of the garden from the Forestry Commission, a purchase that has been made possible with funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the National Lottery’s Awards for All program and the creative fund raising efforts of the local community.

Mike Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, enthused about the potential of the garden, siting established projects in Campbeltown and the Organic Growers of Fairlie as great examples of how community gardens can bring positive social and environmental benefits to communities.

Situated near the shores of Loch Long, the Grade B listed walled garden, featuring a unique curved wall, is a ‘hidden gem’. Designed as part of the original Glenfinart Estate the working garden included a series glass houses, orchards and vegetable plots. Now only the walls of the garden and some fruit trees remain.

With backing from the local community, the Ardentinny Community Trust are purchasing the garden with the express aim of turning it back into a community resource and saving it from dereliction. They have plans to reinstate the garden for food growing, recreation and environmental education and have recently appointed a project officer, Hannah Clinch, to support these developments with the backing of funding from LEADER.

If you would like more information about the Glenfinart Walled garden or would like to volunteer then please contact the Ardentinny Community Trust info@glenfinartgarden.org or visit www.GlenfinartGarden.org

Hannah Clinch