Many of Scotland’s finest gardens, woodlands and estates – including five stunning sites in the Highlands and two in Aberdeenshire – are getting ready to welcome visitors to one of the country’s most popular annual outdoor festivals. Running from now until Sunday, March 13, The Scottish Snowdrop Festival 2016 features almost 60 properties showing off spectacular swaths of snowdrops carpeting their grounds.
There are 300 varieties of Galanthus – to give the snowdrop its botanical name – and the versatility and hardiness of this classic winter-flowering plant means it grows in a great range of locations, including venues taking part in the festival which range from visitor attractions to privately owned estates not normally open to the public, which means the event not only gives visitors the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent seasonal displays, but also to explore several of Scotland’s most beautiful settings.
The Highland properties taking part include 10 Pilmuir Road West, in Forres, Abriachan Garden Nursery, at Loch Ness Side, Poyntzfield Herb Nursery, on the Black Isle, Rosehaugh Estate, Avoch, in Ross-shire, and Dunvegan Castle Garden, on Skye.
In early spring, there are approximately 150 named snowdrops to be seen at 10 Pilmuir Road West, some of which are very rare. As parking is limited, make sure you phone ahead to arrange a viewing.
Abriachan Garden Nursery boasts over four acres of exciting plantings of beautiful snowdrops with winding paths through native woodlands. There are also stunning views over Loch Ness. At Poyntzfield, there’s half an acre of snowdrops in the woodland below the herb nursery, as well as winter aconites for contrast. These are always spectacular during late February/early March.
Visitors to the snowdrops on the Rosehaugh Estate, which overlooks the Moray Firth, can enjoy the seasonal blooms in the magnificent woodlands of the estate. Snowdrops days will be held at Dunvegan Castle Garden on Skye, on February 17 and 24, between noon and 4pm. These offer visitors the chance to see the fantastic carpet of snowdrops which appears in this most beautiful setting, all overlooked by the stunning castle.
Aberdeenshire properties taking part include Bruckhills Croft, at Rothienorman, near Inverurie, and Ecclesgreig Castle at St Cyrus. Bruckhills Croft is an informal country cottage garden which offers prearranged visits to see its collection of 320 named snowdrops, arranged in small groups throughout the garden. At Ecclesgreig Castle, the snowdrop walk starts at the castle, meanders around the estate, along woodland paths, around the pond, finishing at the garden. The woodlands contain some very interesting trees and shrubs and are covered by drifts of snowdrops.
The Scottish Snowdrop Festival, which is now in its 10th year, aims to get people of all ages out and about to celebrate this blooming winter wonder which never fails to bring a longed-for assurance that the brighter days of spring are on their way. By encouraging visitors to Scotland’s great gardens, woodlands and estates, the event also provides a welcome business boost for attractions during a traditionally quieter period of the year.
VisitScotland regional partnerships director Scott Armstrong said: “The Scottish Snowdrop Festival has grown into an annual calendar highlight and there’s a superb choice of gardens, woodlands and estates taking part. Snowdrops are loved by everyone – it’s always wonderfully cheering to see them appearing and knowing that spring can’t be too far behind – so I hope that as many people as possible will get out and about to enjoy this great seasonal sight around Scotland’s most stunning gardens and estates.
“Many Snowdrop Festival locations are within the grounds of stunning and architecturally impressive buildings, such as Dunvegan Castle. Such buildings are a perfect fit for Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. From textiles to technology, architecture to fashion and design, the year-long programme will shine the spotlight on our greatest assets and icons, as well as our hidden gems.”
Many of the gardens and grounds charge a modest entry fee – often for adults only – and the proceeds are to be donated to charitable organisations with gardening links. For details of all the gardens and grounds taking part in the event, visit www.visitscotland.com/snowdrop, where opening times are also listed. As the weather is pretty changeable at this time of year, it may be advisable to double-check opening times and dates directly with the venues before setting out.
As part of the festival, a variety of fascinating experiences will be on offer, including a night sky observatory and an option of afternoon tea to accompany the snowdrops at Craigengillan Estate, Ayrshire, which feature as part of a celebrated designed landscape of 3,000 acres. An atmospheric night-time display of snowdrops is offered at Cringletie House, Peebles, alongside a taste of specially created snowdrop scones as part of afternoon tea. At Cambo Gardens, Fife, a daily guided walk to view the snowdrops also features a chance to feed piglets.