‘You have created a treasure’: Gairloch Sitooterie celebrates 10th birthday
ACTIVISTS who transformed an overgrown Wester Ross wasteland into a multiple award-winning beauty spot have been credited with “creating a treasure” as it marks a milestone.
The 10th anniversary of Gairloch’s Sitooterie observation garden prompted scores of messages of congratulation and heartfelt thanks for what has been achieved over the past decade.
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The Sitooterie began in 2015 when members of the local community funded the clearing of a small area amid the totally overgrown gorse that dominated the verge alongside Pier Road.
Since then, the garden has steadily expanded to its current 206 metre length and has since won numerous awards from Keep Scotland Beautiful and The Royal Horticultural Society.
In the run-up to its 10th anniversary at the weekend, the team of volunteers keeping it maintained hosted a visit from Keep Scotland Beautiful assessor Ian Mitchell who was making his first visit and “seemed pleased with all he saw”.
Elspeth Smith summed up the feelings of many in one scores of posts from members of the public. She wrote: “Excited to hear what the assessor will say this year! But actually, the aim of this terrific project isn't to get awards, your audience is the community of locals and visitors who love the Sitooterie and appreciate all the work behind it.
“My huge thanks and congratulations to all those involved, from the visionary beginnings to the well-oiled team now lovingly labouring behind the scenes. You have created a treasure.”
Jane Lowery posted: “Loved seeing how the Sitooterie has developed over the years - what a team of fantastic volunteers - an amazing space, well done!”
Jane Dewar noted some of the ups and downs involved along the way - amongst them several batterings from storms - adding: “So many folk have put their heart and soul into this wonderful place.
“Today I give thanks for each and every one of those who make this space happen so that locals and visitors alike, from near and far, can use the space to sit, have coffee, scenery admire, plant enquire, contemplate and enjoy whether it is day by day on a walk, occasionally for those like me on holidays and week by week through the anticipated photographs so...thank you one and all and a very, very happy 10th birthday!”