It will be even easier for visitors to stroll around the grounds in the stunning Crarae Garden by Inveraray soon, as a project to upgrade paths and walkways is completed.

Work on two replacement bridges is scheduled to conclude later this month. The steel and timber bridges are the latest step in a £500,000 restoration project at the garden funded by the National Trust for Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Argyll and Islands Enterprise.

Work began six years ago, when the National Trust for Scotland took over the garden. Since then pathways have been laid, steps have been built and handrails have been installed so that visitors can focus on the fantastic flora, rather than their feet. The funding package has also paid for important archaeological work, a topographic survey of the grounds and plant collection recording.

Head Gardener Nigel Price said:

“It’s great to see the bridges so close to completion. The work on the pathways and building of the steps has really made it easier for visitors to enjoy out truly glorious garden. The pathways guide visitors past our fabulous plants and the bridges are great viewpoints and an opportunity to enjoy the water cascading down the hillside. It is a very special place.”

Famous for its National Collection of Southern Beech, as well as acers, sorbus and eucalyptus, the garden is at its greenest at this time of year.

Nigel continues:

“The garden is constantly changing and right now is looking at its most lush. It’s a fantastic time to visit as the colours are intensely green and the foliage gives the garden such texture. It’s easy to understand why this is such a popular spot for artists.”

Entry to Crarae Garden costs £5 for an adult and £14 for a family. Entry is free for members of the National Trust for Scotland.