Press release -
Snowdrops in Bloom Across Scotland
The arrival of snowdrops across Scotland heralds the approach of spring. A universal symbol of hope, the snowdrop displays are a delightful sight for the winter-weary.
The Scottish Snowdrop Festival, organised by garden tourism organisation Discover Scottish Gardens, runs until 12 March, featuring more than 50 gardens. 14 have been newly added for 2017, including Fyvie Castle in Turiff, House of the Binns in Linlithgow and Castle Kennedy in Stranraer; all fitting additions in Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
So, what are you waiting for? Wrap up warm, get yourself outside and settle the mind as you take in swathes of snowdrops across Scotland.
Festival Highlights
Castle Kennedy Gardens, Dumfries & Galloway
Head to Castle Kennedy Gardens to see beautiful white snowdrops, originally planted in Victorian times, in full bloom. The gardens are open every weekend throughout February and March, boasting a walled garden, stunning pond and plenty of enchanting walks to explore. Reward your snowdrop exploring endeavors with a trip to the tearoom… the snowdrop-themed baking is exquisite.
Dates: Every weekend, 1 February – 31 March
Open: 10am – 5pm
Cost: Child- £2, Adult- £5.50 and Concession- £4.50
Cambo Gardens, Fife
Cambo Estateis a snowdrop wonderland, bursting with thousands of these delicate flowers, including rare blooms. Enjoy a woodland walk to the sea, plus guided tours and family activity sessions. Special events include the Wild Food Festival on 17 February and Cambo Heritage Craft Festival on 26 February. Don’t miss the snowdrop-themed tearoom and plant shop where you can buy a snowdrop plant to take home!
Dates: Until 12 March
Open: 10am- 5pm
Cost: Child- free, Adult- £5.50
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburghboasts plenty of elegant snowdrops to enjoy, including a splendid specialist collection. Take a stroll and explore in your own time or join one of the guided tours on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.
Dates: 1 February – 15 March
Open: 10am- 5pm
Cost: Free
Abriachan Garden Nursery, Loch Ness
Follow winding pathways through native woodlands dotted with snowdrops at Abriachan Garden Nursery. Don’t miss the stunning views over Loch Ness too.
Dates: 1 February – 13 March
Open: 9am-7pm
Cost: £3 per ticket
Logan Botanic Garden, Dumfries & Galloway
Situated in the mild surroundings of the Rhins of Galloway, Logan Botanic Garden is known as Scotland’s most exotic garden, with early flowering rhododendrons and camellias to enjoy, as well as snowdrops.
Dates: Every Sunday in February
Open: 10am-4pm
Cost: Free
Full details of all participating gardens can be found on www.visitscotland.com/snowdrop
Lesser-known Snowdrop facts
- The scientific name for the snowdrop is Galanthus nivalis. The name comes from the Greek words "gala", which means milk, and "anthos" which means flower. The second part of the name, "nivalis", originates from Latin language and it means snow.
- A galanthophile is an enthusiastic collector of snowdrops
- The flower, given its status as one of the first signs of new spring life, has come to symbolise hope and consolation as well as purity.
- Snowdrops are known as natural thermometers. In the mid-part of the 20th century, they would generally appear in February. Since the 1990s, they have been arriving increasingly quickly, an indication of the changing climate
Topics
- Tourism
Categories
- consumer pr
- snowdrops
- festival
Regions
- Scotland
About VisitScotland
- VisitScotland launched its global Spirit of Scotland campaign in 2016. To find our more go to www.visitscotland.com Join the conversation by using #ScotSpirit
- Spirit of Scotland PR activity is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2014 to 2020. The Scottish Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme.
- VisitScotland’s Community site was set up for the Scottish public to help, engage and enthuse potential visitors about the country. To get involved go to: www.visitscotland.com/community
- For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com
- For VisitScotland’s press releases go to http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre.aspx, tourism statistics and frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/
Discover Scottish Gardens
Discover Scottish Gardens was launched in 2015 with growth funding from VisitScotland. The organisation aims to put Scottish gardens, nurseries and garden related businesses on the tourist map and to showcase the nation’s outstanding horticulture and plant diversity. For more information and for events listings throughout the year, visit www.discoverscottishgardens.org
2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology
- 2017 is the year to delve into the past and discover Scotland’s fascinating stories through a wide-ranging variety of new and existing activity to drive the nation’s tourism and events sector, boosting tourism across Scotland.
- The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology begins on 1 January 2017 and will end on 31 December 2017. It will build on the momentum generated by previous themed years in Scotland including the 2015 Year of Food and Drink, Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.
- The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, and supported by a variety of partners including Creative Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Built Environment Forum Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland.
- The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is supported by £570,000 of Scottish Government funding.
- The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
- For more information visit visitscotland.com/HHA2017 or join the conversation at #HHA2017
