Black Isle open gardens event make Cromarty place to be this weekend
A BLACK Isle community is the go-to destination from green-fingered gurus and garden lovers this weekend.
Gardens in Cromarty are bursting into bloom in time for the town’s Open Gardens weekend this Saturday and Sunday.
Many of the town’s gardens are only glimpsed at from pavements and vennels, so the opening of garden gates gives local folk and visitors alike a rare opportunity to see what lies beyond.
This year, with almost 30 gardens to explore, all the work of their owners and each displaying a wide variety of ideas, there is much to see and to be inspired by.
Whilst following the garden trail, visitors will be able to make use of extra help from Cycling Without Age tricycles.
An organiser says: “Think of it as human-powered open-air taxis, indulge in delicious home-baking and refreshments at a pop-up café in the Old Brewery and enjoy roving fiddlers on Saturday and a fiddle ensemble at the Courthouse on Sunday afternoon.”
There will also be two plant stalls of donations from local gardeners, run by local charities over the whole weekend, and a crafting opportunity on Sunday afternoon.
This year the programme includes a special garden-themed screening at the town’s cinema, and the opportunity to see some of the projects that Cromarty Community Development Trust (CCDT) operate.
The Trust has taken on the organisation of the whole weekend event for the first time and is hoping to at least equal the funds raised at previous events - almost £8000 last year – to continue its support for local projects and causes.
Many local businesses have given generous support to this year’s Open Gardens which has generated a huge list of prizes for the raffle draw at the end of the weekend. There are gifts, vouchers, art, gardening goodies and much more with tickets available to buy now at many locations in Cromarty. Welcome financial donations have also been received from Port of Nigg and Highland Broadband, although the Trust would welcome further financial donations!
Tickets for the event are still at 2022 prices – just £5 per person (under 12s free) and are valid for the two days. There is a free dedicated car park for Open Gardens visitors on the The Links where tickets can be purchased on arrival. They are also available from the Courthouse Museum.
Running concurrently is Open Studios allowing visitors to see a variety of work in wood and pottery as well as paintings. Cromarty offers plenty to see, and places to eat and drink too (although booking ahead for a table is advisable) and if the weather is as good as we hope for, a great day out is guaranteed. Gardens open 11am to 4pm, with car parking available 10am to 5pm at The Links.
Find out more on Facebook: Cromarty Open Gardens and Cromarty Open Studios.
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