Many of Scotland’s finest gardens, woodlands and estates – including two stunning sites in Aberdeenshire – are getting ready to welcome visitors to one of the country’s most popular annual outdoor festivals.
Blossoming across the country from January 30 to March 13, The Scottish Snowdrop Festival 2016 features almost 60 properties showing off spectacular swathes of snowdrops carpeting their grounds.
Taking place at venues ranging from visitor attractions to privately-owned estates which are not normally open to the public, 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 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 pre-arranged 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.
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.
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 director Jim Clarkson 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, including two fantastic locations in the local area.
“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 of the Snowdrop Festival locations are within the grounds of stunning architecturally impressive buildings, such as Ecclesgreig Castle, which is Victorian Gothic on a 16th century core and is internationally famous as an inspiration for Bram Stoker's ‘Dracula’.
“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.”
The Scottish Snowdrop Festival, now in its 10th year, is co-ordinated by Cambo Estate in Fife and Scotland’s Gardens based in Edinburgh.
For details of all the gardens, woodlands and estates taking part in the event, visit: www.visitscotland.com/snowdrop where opening times are also listed. (Please note that as these could be changed due to weather, it may be advisable to contact venues directly to double-check these in advance of arrival.)
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 more information on Bruckhills Croft, call (01651) 821596 or for information on Ecclesgreig Castle, visit: www.ecclesgreig.com