WATCH: Black Isle gardens in the frame as Avoch and Killen virtual tour replaces coronavirus-hit event
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WHEN an eagerly anticipated open garden event had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis, organisers of the Black Isle event didn't let the setback get them down.
Avoch and Killen Community Council had planned the event for the end of July but reluctantly cancelled in line with Covid-19 advice.
A proposal to produce a virtual tour of Avoch and Killen gardens to make up for the disappointment captured the imagination of like-minded local folk – with no fewer than 29 coming forward to take part.
The end result has been distilled into a virtual tour video which helps to reflect the role gardens have played for many during the uncertainties of the four-month lockdown period.
Accompanying the virtual tour is music played by two very talented local musicians, Oran Silverside from Avoch and Freya Taylor from Killen, both pupils at Fortrose Academy. Local MSP Kate Forbes agreed to provide an introduction.
Helen Baillot, chairwoman of Avoch and Killen Community Council, said: “I’m thrilled that so many people in our community have taken part. It’s wonderful to be able to ‘visit’ so many different gardens and know that people across Avoch and Killen have been able to get involved. I hope that it will bring everyone who watches a ray of sunshine after a difficult few months.”
With the money raised by the virtual garden tour, the community council will be able to take on new projects and non-Highland Council maintenance needed within the area. In recognition of the sacrifice of health workers, it is splitting the money raised with NHS Charities Together.
To help people donate, it has set up a Crowdfunder page on its website, which can be found at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/avoch-killen-virtual-open-gardens-2020.
Ms Baillot said: "We hope that visitors to our Virtual Open Gardens will enjoy the tour and donate generously."
It can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=myARt6AH-50
