Six new properties are set to join one of Scotland’s most spectacular garden festivals.
Blossoming across the country from 28 January to 11 March 2018, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival comprises of more than 50 events nationwide displaying carpets of snowdrops in their gardens and woodlands, signaling the end of winter and the promise of spring.
Organised by garden tourism organisation Discover Scottish Gardens, the annual festival is supported by VisitScotland and Scotland’s Garden Scheme.
New properties and gardens joining this year’s festival listings, including Attadale Gardens in Wester Ross, Ardmaddy Castle by Oban, Branklyn Garden in Perthshire, Broughton House in Dumfries and Galloway, Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, and Kinblethmont Gallery and Grounds in Angus, with each hosting activities and snowdrop walks for all the family.
With research showing that around one in three visitors to Scotland make a trip to a forest or woodland park during their stay and 43% visit a country park or garden, the Snowdrop Festival – which is now in its 12th year – aims to encourage locals and tourists to enjoy the wonders of Scotland’s gardens during the snowdrop flowering period and to highlight the diversity of the country’s array of snowdrop collections.
Over the years, many Scots have fallen in love with the versatile herbaceous plant, scientifically known as Galanthus. There are now over 2,500 named varieties of the winter flower and its adaptability and hardiness means it grows in a great range of locations across the world.
Catherine Erskine, chair of Discover Scottish Gardens and founder of the Snowdrop Festival in Scotland, said:
We are very lucky in Scotland to have a fantastic climate for snowdrops, with many species thriving here and creating stunning displays. Many of the festival venues are within the grounds of some of Scotland’s most historic buildings with beautiful surroundings. Adding snowdrops to these landscapes create a spectacular sight for any visitor.
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said:
A firm favourite in the Scottish events calendar, the Snowdrop Festival is always a great way to kick off the new year and encourage visitors to get out of their homes and visit one of these beautiful venues.
The festival provides a welcome boost for attractions during a traditionally quieter period of the year and help raise awareness of Scotland’s most stunning gardens and estates.
VisitScotland works closely with communities and businesses to showcase the rich assets, hidden gems and local stories of every region in Scotland.
For festival highlights visit https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/snowdrop-festival/ and to find out more about events near you visit http://discoverscottishgardens.org/events/
