We may not have the best weather in the world here in Scotland, but we do have some magnificent botanical gardens. And Benmore is one of my favourites.

A spectacular mountainside garden, Benmore sits close to the southern end of Loch Eck. The entire Benmore estate was gifted to the nation in 1925 and became the third of Scotland’s great botanical gardens.

With trees and plants from all around the world, it’s a delight to explore. Alongside Scots Pines and a wealth of native plants, you’ll discover the hillside now boasts a Japanese Valley, a Tasmanian Ridge, a Bhutanese Glade and, perhaps my favourite, the Chilean Rainforest Glade.

Being a hillside on Scotland’s west coast, the gardens have suffered more than their fair share of challenging weather, which makes if doubly impressive to see just how much hard work has gone into repairing the damage done by recent floods and storms.

It’s also now home to a sapling from the famous Sycamore Gap Tree, so pointlessly felled by vandals in September 2023. “A Tree of Hope”, as the label says, and one that will fit in well in such an inspiring place!

The full article is available from iScot Magazine, issue 117