ACHAMORE GARDENS RESTORATION PROJECT

Achamore Gardens are owned and managed by the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust on behalf of the islanders. They are viewed by the islanders as ‘the jewel in the crown' and being open all year round attract a wide range of visitors to the island. We hope that you have enjoyed visiting them when on Gigha.

The gardens were established in 1944 by Sir James Horlick, then owner of the island. Sir James was a keen gardener and plantsman, with a particular interest in Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Camellias. At Achamore Gardens , Sir James created a unique environment into which he planted a tapestry of camellias, azaleas and various sub-tropical shrubs as well as many unique species of rhododendron. The “Horlick Collection” as it is known has gained international recognition amongst horticulturalists, in particular those interested in Rhododendron and Camellia. Cultivars have been distributed around the world and more locally in collaboration with the National Trust to Gardens at Brodick Castle .

In addition to the above, the gardens comprise lovely walks amongst mature woodland and feature a walled garden and pond garden containing a wide variety of specimen plants, shrubs and trees.

Achamore Gardens have not had the support and funding which other Gardens have had over the last 30 years. This has been due to a succession of landowners who took less interest than Sir James Horlick. The unique heritage of the Gardens is at risk. Major infrastructure work such as drainage, tree felling and building works is urgently required.

The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust have taken up the mantle and have started a Restoration of Achamore Gardens. Over the next three years the community will be replacing the drainage systems, rebuilding the shelter belt, replacing paths and greenhouses and most importantly working to restock and restore the Gardens to their former glory. We also need more staff. At the moment there is only one full time Gardener and we aim to take on two more full time Gardeners as well as additional professional support.

The first phase of this work will cost £391 , 000 (with a total cost of £590,000) over the next three years. Some funding has been awarded from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and the National Trust for Scotland . However, the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust still need to raise £150,000 over the next three years.

Any visitor to Gigha, Friend of Gigha or resident of Gigha can assist with this by making a donation to the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust for the Achamore Gardens Restoration. Your donation would be used directly to restore this Garden and ensure its place as the ‘jewel in the crown' of Gigha. If you want to keep up to date with progress on the Restoration programme you can follow the progress here.

So, things are happening in Achamore.  Helen Lear, the Assistant Head Gardener at Achamore, has penned a few thoughts - read on.

The begining ...

Things are starting to happen ...

Thank you