Yesterday Phil and I walked by the Tay to the Hilton, where we joined a few friends. We were there to see the commemorative bench and newly planted tree from family and friends of Gordon McNeill-Wilkie. It’s a wonderful time of the year to be walking alongside the river Tay, and if you fancy trying out the new bench it’s by the swimming pool.
by Phil Brammer — published on September 2nd, 2011
Yesterday evening I attended the preview of this year’s Heartwood event and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Regular Heartwood artists and guests have surpassed themselves, and the selection of photographs below represents only a small fraction of what can be seen wandering through Monkquell woods (near Blairgowrie).
Hidden away in the grounds of Murray Royal Hospital is a walled garden. Admission is free and there’s a café where you can enjoy delicious soup made from home-grown vegetables and desserts made from home-grown fruits. You can also buy plants which have been propagated in the garden as well as fruit and veg, and spend a good hour or more admiring the garden itself, which has many secluded areas where you can sit and eat your lunch.
What makes this walled garden all the more interesting is that it is partly run by people with mental ill health – the residents themselves – and is one of the many therapeutic gardening projects in Scotland supported by Trellis. My partner Genie, who works for Trellis, was keen to show me this garden and the perfect opportunity arose last Saturday during the annual open day. The theme this year was, of course, Alice in Wonderland. There was a “find the rabbits” quest for the kids and a hat parade for all the folk that had gone to the trouble of making their own crazy hats, art projects, and much more. We also had great weather.
Visit the Walled Garden at Murray Royal Hospital between 10am and 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. For more information about the charity Trellis, please visit their website, and/or check out the video below.
Enjoy walking or jogging in the woods? Can you read a map? Ever thought of trying orienteering?
Tayside Orienteers are hosting a small informal orienteering event at the Blackspout Wood at Pitlochry on the evening of Tuesday 14th June. You don’t have to run to orienteer – many people just enjoy the challenge of finding the markers in the woods at a pace to suit their age and ability. Maps and basic instruction will be provided. No special clothing or compass required for beginners.
Cost: £3 for seniors, £1 for juniors or family groups. Turn up between 6.00pm and 7.00pm at the Blackspout Car Park – on the right as you drive north into Pitlochry. It will be signposted.
Contact Grahame or Mel Nicoll on 01350 727695 if you require any further details or see www.taysideorienteers.org.uk
