Scotland’s most northerly great house, the birthplace of a rare and extinct species of snowdrop, is taking part in one of the country’s most spectacular flower festivals.
Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland has joined an impressive network of sites for the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, which will showcase some of Scotland’s most beautiful snowdrop collections from January 25 until March 11.
More than 60 events will take place nationwide in celebration of the classic winter flower, including snowdrop walks and talks, guided tours and open days for all the family.
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Dunrobin has a special place in the history of snowdrops in the UK. In 1879 the Duke of Sutherland’s head gardener David Melville, raised a new snowdrop variety. He distributed bulbs to many gardens and enthusiasts, but it seems likely that the variety has now died out.
The widely grown modern snowdrop variety Galanthus ‘Magnet’ has Melville’s snowdrop as one of its parents. The castle is not open during the festival but visitors are welcome to explore the garden and policies.
Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye and Attadale Gardens in Strathcarron are once again taking part in the festival, meaning there is a good spread of Highland attractions involved.
Organised by garden tourism group Discover Scottish Gardens and supported by VisitScotland, the festival aims to encourage locals and tourists to enjoy the wonders of Scotland’s gardens during the snowdrop flowering period and highlight the country’s diverse collections.
Catherine Erskine, chairwoman of Discover Scottish Gardens and founder of the Snowdrop Festival in Scotland, said: “Over the years, more of us are falling in love with the dainty winter flower and very much look forward to the festival as gardens open up again for the new year. We are very lucky in Scotland to have some truly stunning sites to visit, many of which open their doors for the Snowdrop Festival, showcasing another spectacular side to their gardens.”
For festival highlights and events listings, see the VistScotland website.
