VisitScotland launches Scottish Snowdrop Festival

In a bid to banish the post-Christmas blues, VisitScotland launches The Scottish Snowdrop Festival in a blaze of white. Visitors are invited to blow away the cobwebs by visiting 46 gardens across the country, some of which open exclusively for the event.

Participating properties range from majestic castles and classic country estates to woodland walks and walled gardens. Running from 1st February to 16th March, the festival is ideal for those with New Year’s resolutions to be more active in 2009.

46 gardens are participating in the festival including:

• Dumfries House, Ayrshire
Newly saved for the nation by Prince Charles, this 18th century Palladian mansion was designed by architect brothers John and Robert Adam. The house is set within 2000 acres of scenic Ayrshire countryside.
dumfries-house.org.uk

• Torosay Castle & Gardens, Isle of Mull
Italianate terraced garden with fine statuary, mature trees, varied collection of tender shrubs and many old varieties of spring bulbs offset with panoramic views.
torosay.com

• Castle Kennedy & Gardens, Dumfries & Galloway
Enjoy the beautiful woodland and loch-side walks or a car safari amongst the enchanting carpets of snowdrops and early spring flowers. Set amidst one of Scotland’s oldest gardens, including a ruined castle, walled garden and a charming tearoom.
castlekennedygardens.co.uk

• Broughton House Garden, Dumfries & Galloway
The garden of artist EA Hornel, a charming informal and secret garden showing snowdrops at their spring best.
nts.org.uk

The festival is part of VisitScotland’s Winter White campaign which showcases opportunities for visitors to make the most of the season. These, along with accommodation deals offering 3 night breaks for £99 per person; 3 nights for the price of 2 as well as other money saving incentives, are listed on visitscotland.com/white. Details of a new Adventure Pass offering buy one get one free on numerous activities up until end of May 2009 including wildlife watching, tours and adventure sports are also included.

Towards the end of this year’s Winter White campaign, the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns on 25 January will mark the start of Homecoming Scotland 2009, a year-round celebration of all that is great about Scotland. This will include the Burns Light lanterns, a vibrant mid-winter procession in Dumfries. For information on the events programme and ways to get involved go to homecomingscotland2009.com.