Members of the public are invited to a new activity set to take place at the Inverness Botanic Gardens during the upcoming October holidays, encouraging families to get into the ‘spirit’ of Halloween this year.
Children of all ages can enjoy a self-guided trail, titled ‘The Purrrfect Potion’, as an ode to Inverness Botanic Garden’s well-loved late cat Shadow.
The spiritual return of this familiar feline is sure to put a smile on visitors faces whilst following pawprints along the trail into the more hidden parts of the Gardens in search of plants and herbs for a magical Halloween potion.
Ewan MacKintosh, High Life Highland’s Facility Manager at Inverness Botanic Gardens, said: “Staff at the Botanics are delighted to trial a new family-friendly, daytime offering this Halloween season, right in time for the school holidays.
“My hope is that parents, guardians, children, and carers will enjoy getting outdoors and reconnecting with nature in a playfully-themed way, discovering fun facts about the Botanic Garden’s magical plants – perhaps even exploring parts they have never been to before.
“Families can pick up a trail guide at reception and fill in their findings. Once the potion is complete, be sure to name it! Participants may redeem a free treat from Café Botanics upon completing the trail.
“We are hugely grateful to local family-run business, Inverness Bark, for helping to make this activity possible via funding.”
Alex Wilson, Founder of Inverness Bark, added: “As a family-run business, Inverness Bark is ‘thrilled’ to sponsor this fantastic trial Halloween activity at the Inverness Botanic Gardens.
“We hope families will enjoy making their ‘Purrrfect Potion’ following the trail, while making magic memories in the heart of nature.”
‘The Purrrfect Potion’ trail will run from Saturday 7th October to Halloween day, Tuesday 31st October inclusive.
Members of the public interested in participating in the trail are welcome to drop in and collect their trail guides at Inverness Botanic Gardens reception area, within regular opening times from 10am to 4pm every day of the week.
The aim of ‘The Purrrfect Potion’ trail is to get families learning about plants and herbs around Inverness Botanic Gardens, some of which are known to have healing properties.
Please note that the potion-making element of the self-guided trail is entirely theoretical, so members of the public are reminded not to touch or damage plants along the way. Participating children will be drawing their found plants in order to ‘fill’ their potion bottle on paper.
Inverness Botanic Gardens is managed and maintained by a network of High Life Highland staff as well as volunteers from the local community. Donations from visitors are gratefully received and go directly towards the development and improvement of the Gardens.
A donation of £2 has been suggested for families looking to take part in ‘The Purrrfect Potion’ Halloween trail, to help with covering some of the associated costs.
