Inverness Botanic Gardens welcomed some good news earlier today when they received a donation from a local business.
The well-loved gardens, beside Canal Park, has recently reopened to visitors and was delighted to receive a generous donation from local company Swansons towards Highlife Highland’s GROW project.
Inverness businessman Magnus Swanson has donated £1,500 towards a new tool shed for the scheme.
The GROW project provides horticultural training for 20 adults with learning difficulties and has been running for 22 years at Inverness Botanic Gardens.
Ewan Mackintosh, facilities manager at the Botanic Gardens, said: “The support from Swansons means we can add to the facilities available for our trainees with the introduction of a new tool shed which will be a useful addition as our trainees hone their horticultural skills.
“We’re immensely grateful to them as it enables the project to go from strength to strength.
“The trainees find their work immensely satisfying, gaining physical activity in a healthy environment and taking part in meaningful activities with the prospect of future employment.”
A team of trainers teach the adults –who have moderate to severe learning difficulties – to maintain and develop a garden which is open to the public. Trainees are taught to promote recycling and wildlife, to grow and sell a range of produce.
Mr. Swanson said: “We have been working closely with Ewan and the team and I’ve seen how much the trainees enjoy their outdoor work and learning here at Inverness Botanics and it is a pleasure to be able to make a donation to such a worthwhile cause.”
