Scotland’s largest and most prestigious gardening and outdoor living show is expected to generate more than £1 million for the Scottish economy when it is held later this summer.
Gardening Scotland, which will take place from 3-5 June at the Royal Highland Showground at Ingliston, Midlothian, will see more than 34,000 visitors pass through its gates over the three day event for the country’s most established outdoor living show.
Approximately 10 per cent of visitors are expected to attend from outside Scotland, demonstrating the strength of the country’s gardening industry on both a UK-wide and international scale.
Gardening Scotland’s esteemed floral hall, sponsored by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, will showcase more than 400 exhibitors, including plant nurseries, outdoor furniture suppliers and food and drink specialists. Local businesses such as Pentland-based Secret Herb Garden and Fife nursery East Neuk Perennials will be amongst the exhibitors.
The 2016 event has also attracted interest from further afield, and this year one third of exhibitors will come from outside Scotland. That will include Dutch flower growers Warmenhoven, who will showcase for the first time with a range of specialist flowers, including Hippeastrum, Alliums, Lilies and Orchids.
Preparation for the three day outdoor living show will commence at Ingliston in late May, and will see the involvement of 25 contractors. Gardening Scotland will also create 20 temporary jobs.
Local guest houses, hotels, restaurants and shops are expected to be particularly busy in the days surrounding, and during, the event.
Martin Dare, organiser of Gardening Scotland said: “This year’s Gardening Scotland event is going to be our biggest and best yet, and the fact it will generate more than £1 million for our economy is testament of that.
“Scotland’s wider garden tourism industry generates approximately £200 million for the economy, and there’s no question that more and more people are taking an active interest in their gardens, including growing vegetables and embracing their outdoor living space.
“This event is not only about gardening though. It is also the perfect day out for foodies, families and everyone who is interested in what our great outdoors has to offer. Whether you enjoy al fresco dining, growing herbs on your windowsill, or the beautiful scent that flowers bring to an outdoor space all year round, Gardening Scotland is the place to be.”
Comments