Popular visitor attractions across the country, including three sites across Dumfries & Galloway, are taking part in one of Scotland’s most spectacular flower festivals.
Signaling the end of winter and the promise of spring, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival will showcase some of Scotland’s most beautiful snowdrop collections from 25 January to 11 March 2019.
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.
Logan Botanic Garden will be welcoming visitors every Sunday in February to enjoy the snowdrop displays. As one of the country’s most exotic gardens, the horticultural haven is open every day from 1 March to allow viewings of the snowdrops as well as early flowering Rhododendrons and Camellias.
Broughton House & Garden in Kirkcudbright will also be participating in the Scottish Snowdrop Festival from 1 February until 11 March. Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, the attraction allows visitors to cross into the Edwardian world of renowned ‘Glasgow Boy’ artist E. A. Hornel. The snowdrops within the garden provided inspiration for some of Hornel’s best known paintings.
Romantically situated on an isthmus, Castle Kennedy Gardens provide a stunning backdrop to the swathes of snowdrops and spring bulbs, which appear in February and March. Woodland paths and loch-side drives will be opened to allow visitors to experience over 3 miles of snowdrop lined walks and car drives. Specialist snowdrops can also be found in the Walled Garden and near the ruined castle.
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.
The Festival attracts organisations including the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the National Trust for Scotland and will showcase an array of events across the breadth of the country, from Dunvegan Castle in the Isle of Skye to Dryburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders.
Catherine Erskine, Chair 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. As the Festival grows in popularity, we encourage the younger generation to discover the world of snowdrops for themselves, as well as Dumfries and Galloway’s stunning landscapes and historic sites.”
There are currently around 20 species of the herbaceous plant, scientifically known as Galanthus, and over 2,500 named varieties. Its versatility and hardiness allow it to thrive in Scotland’s climate.
Paula Ward, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “The end of January marks a special time of year when some of Scotland’s best visitor attractions are covered in a beautiful sheet of white. I’m thrilled to see that Logan Botanic Garden, Broughton House & Garden and Castle Kennedy Gardens are taking part in this year’s festival which allows everyone to enjoy the magic of these stunning flowers and helps attract visitors to the region during a traditionally quieter time of year.”
For festival highlights and events listings, visit https://www.visitscotland.com/snowdrops
The Out & About section in Dumfries & Galloway is headlined by Gretna Green
A Place to Escape From it All – Scotland’s most romantic destination since 1754
Discover Gretna Green
