£20k donation lets trainees blossom at Inverness Botanic Gardens

An Inverness businessman and his wife have donated £20,000 to a scheme for horticultural training for 20 adults with learning difficulties.

The money from David and Anne Sutherland will enable the GROW (garden, recycling, organic and wildlife) Project to develop in the year ahead.

It has been running for 22 years at Inverness Botanic Gardens but the difficult financial climate within the NHS has raised fears for the scheme’s future.

Ewan Mackintosh, facilities manager at the Botanic Gardens, said: “The loss of funding was a severe blow. Without the support from Mr and Mrs Sutherland, our trainees would be sitting at home instead of enjoying their new horticultural skills.

“We’re immensely grateful to them as it enables us to continue a project which has won several awards.

“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 produce and sell a range of organic produce.

Mr Sutherland said: “I’ve seen how much the trainees enjoy their outdoor work and learning. It would be a tragedy if this project was lost.

“We’ll also offer what advice we can on generating more economic activity. We hope other businesses can play their part in such a worthwhile cause.”

The project’s produce can be bought at the Botanic Gardens, with all profits reinvested in the venture.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.