Three generations of Campbells picnic for Arduaine Garden

Three generations of the Campbells of Inverawe will be gathering at the National Trust for Scotland’s beautiful Arduaine Garden near Oban on Wednesday 21st July.

They will be meeting up with fellow family members in a bid to raise awareness about the threat to the garden’s sustainability.

Threatened with immediate closure a year ago under the aegis of the then Chair, Shonaig MacPherson, whose departure was acceleretd by the controversy that followed the proposal to close and refous a swathe of National Trust for Scotland properties, Arduaine got a reprieve.

However, an additional £750,000 needs to be raised now as an endowment to ensure that this important west coast garden remains open and continues to be enjoyed by future generations of visitors – including Campbells – in years to come.

Set on the stunning Arduaine peninsula, the garden was originally designed by Arthur Campbell back in 1897. The mini-climate created by the warming North Atlantic Drift became home to azaleas and rhododendrons shipped home in tea-chests from the Himalayas and Ceylon.

Since taking over the garden in 1992, Arduaine has continued to thrive and develop under the care of the Trust’s dedicated and talented Head Gardener, Maurice Wilkins.

Diarmid Campbell, grandson of the late Arthur Campbell, who shares his grandfather’s passion for the garden takes up the story,

‘In my unofficial capacity as ‘historian’ of the extended Inverawe family, I’m passionate about ensuring the garden continues to delight our visitors. I’ve enjoyed working with the Trust in planning this Campbell family re-union picnic in Arduaine Garden next week.

Invitations have been issued by the Trust, who will be our hosts – and we’re looking forward to a great turn out.  For many it is a long way to come but they’ll be sure of a warm welcome and a very interesting day’.

Donations to help secure the future of Arduaine can be made online here..

The gardens are open every day throughout the year from 09.30 to sunset.  For further information call 0844 493 2216.

Note: Sir Kenneth Calman has now been appointed to the vacant Chair of the National Trust for Scotland.