Two brand new state of the art gardening beds, constructed to enable complete wheelchair access, have been installed at Duthie Park.
This comes after the Park’s ‘Friends’ support group received a substantial financial boost with a five figure sum from well-known local company, Craig Group.
The beds are made from 100% recyclable polythene and European Douglas Fir and are ideal for those with reduced mobility as one side is concaved to allow gardening from a sitting position, at table top height and all sections within arm’s reach.
Alan Amoore, Chairman of the Friends of Duthie Park, commented. “The Craig Group is one of our staunchest supporters within the local business community and their generosity is really appreciated. These disabled beds, located within the park’s community garden, will allow many keen gardeners who visit the park regularly the opportunity to enjoy the pastime unhindered and will be heavily utilised.”
Douglas Craig, chairman and managing director of Craig Group, added: “My father and former chairman of the group, David Craig, won numerous flower show events at the Duthie Park and was chairman of the dahlia and chrysanthemum society. We are therefore very pleased to have contributed towards these beds which can be used and enjoyed by the disabled and the elderly. The Duthie Park is one of Aberdeen’s real treasures and we are very pleased to support the Friends of the Park in their fantastic efforts to ensure it remains a jewel in the city’s crown.”
Duthie Park is one of the most popular parks in Scotland, with over half a million visitors every year. It was bequeathed to the city by Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie in remembrance of her brother and uncle and was opened in 1883 by Princess Beatrix. Its historical significance as one of the finest examples of a late Victorian public park has led to its inclusion in Historic Scotland\'s Inventory of Designed Landscapes and Gardens. The restoration and reconstruction of some of the lost features, completed two years ago, was inspired by old written and photographic sources and was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Aberdeen City Council.
Further information can be found at www.friendsofduthiepark.co.uk.