Dunvegan Castle's gardens shortlisted for gardening award

Dunvegan Castle and Gardens has made this year's shortlist for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award. Shortlisted entries are chosen from gardens, parks and grounds that offer free entry to members of Historic Houses.

Speaking about the news, the team at Dunvegan Castle and Gardens have said that making the shortlist alongside six wonderful gardens is a testament to the hard work and passion of the team. 

The gardens have been meticulously looked after since the estate came into the posession of John MacLeod, 29th Chief of Clan MacLeod who decided to follow the example of his ancestors to create a garden at Dunvegan. Something that has been continued by the present Chief and estate Director Hugh MacLeod, who, alongside his dedicated team of gardeners has developed the grounds and taken on a significant relandscaping project. 

Hugh MacLeod said: "When I took over the management of Dunvegan Castle and Gardens in 2008, I didn't know much about plants or flowers, but I did have a love of gardens and their design. It has been exciting to work with our fantastic team of dedicated gardeners and external contractors on all these major projects to produce the desired wow factor and to continue building on my late father's horitultural legacy. 45 years of investment, effort, sympathetic, yet innovative design work and care have made Dunvegan Castle's gardens what they are today."

The Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2023 launched on 1st April 2023 with six beautiful gardens all competing to be named Garden of the Year in a public vote, which is open to both members of Historic Houses and non members. 

Ben Cowell, Director General at Historic Houses, said: "Our Garden fo the Year Award showcases the very best in gardening talent from across the UK. It is particularly exciting to see such a strong Scottish presence in the shortlist this year. Blair Castle, Dunvegan Castle and Gardens and Mount Stuart join Hergest Croft and Scampston from England, as well as Glenarm, our first ever shortlisted garden from Northern Ireland. Together, these represent some of the UK's very finest gardens and we can't wait for the votes to start rolling in."

For more information, visit the Historic Houses website to vote before the awards close on 31st August 2023. The winner will be announced at the Historic Houses AGM on 14th November 2023 in London. 

Images from © Dunvegan Castle & Gardens