Dingwall Field Club members enjoy visit to Dundonnell House Garden

The sun had his hat on for the latest meeting of Dingwall Field Club on their summer bus trip to Dundonnell House Garden.

Stopping on the way to see Corrieshalloch Gorge members enjoyed a short walk from the new visitor centre there to the Victorian suspension bridge that spans the gorge, to view the Falls of Measach.

At Dundonnell, they enjoyed a guided tour courtesy of Will the gardener who explained how the house had been built by the Mackenzies of Dundonnell and completed in 1769.

The walled garden there covers two acres, much of it in its present form designed by horticulturist Alan Roger, one of three brothers who bought the estate after World War II from descendants of the original Mackenzie laird.

Much has since been added in the way of hard work and skills by Will, building on the inspiration and enthusiasm of the current owner, Lady Rice.

A great yew tree within the walled garden is at least 300 years old, but could be as much as 2000 years old.

Touring the rest of the garden "rooms", created mostly by low box hedges, members enjoyed hearing about the various plants, shrubs and trees and the tour ended with lovely cream teas served by Sue in an interesting little building beside the house – originally its ballroom.

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