An ambitious plan to breathe new life into a neglected garden in Dunkeld is under way.
The driving force behind the project to revive St Ninian’s Garden is Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom, with landscaping works starting this month.
The garden, which was created around 35 years ago on the site of the former gasworks, had fallen into disrepair.
Local people were determined to restore the garden and enhance the picturesque community on the banks of the Tay for residents and visitors alike.
With the support of the Take a Pride in Perthshire Association, planning and consultation has taken place since 2011. Preliminary works have included decontamination measures and the selective removal of trees and shrubs.
The garden design includes the refurbishment of stone walls; repaving and resurfacing with natural, local materials; refurbishment of the seating; installation of cabling to allow additional lighting; and the creation of a stunning centrepiece a stone poetry sculpture specially created by local stonemason Martin Reilly.
The garden will be planted in the spring and cared for by dedicated volunteers.
The group has raised more than £45,000, including £2,500 donated by Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom volunteers the proceeds of cake, berry and plant sales.
Funding has been awarded by Perth and Kinross Council’s Community Environment Challenge Fund, Perth and Kinross Quality of Life Trust, Awards for All, the Dunkeld City Hall Trust and the SSE Griffin and Calliacher Community Fund.
Linda Speirs, chair of Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom, said: “Our aim is simply to make the most of St Ninian’s Garden it’s a valuable but underused asset in our town. We want the garden to be much better used and bring people together for all sorts of events, as well as provide a place of tranquillity and beauty for everyone. We are most grateful to our funders who have made this vision possible.”
Perth and Kinross Council’s environment convener, Alan Grant, said: “We are pleased to assist this community-led project to improve St Ninian’s Garden through our Community Environment Challenge Fund. The fund is available to community and voluntary groups and I would encourage local organisations wanting to make these kinds of improvements to consider applying for support.”
Dr Karen McDonnell, chair of the Take a Pride in Perthshire Association, added: “This is an excellent example of what local people can achieve and contribute to their local community.
“We are very pleased to have been able to support Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom in their hard work.”