Event at Ellon Castle Gardens will mark restoration of historic sundial
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Ellon Castle Gardens will hold its first event since lockdown on Saturday.
It's About Time will celebrate the recent restoration of the 18th century grade A listed sundial.
There will be live music, food, a nature trail and sundial-themed activities from 11am to 4pm. The official unveiling of the sundial will take place at 2pm.
The organisers said the event has been carefully planned with coronavirus safety in mind, so the activities will be spread out across the gardens to prevent congestion. Visitors will be asked to wear a mask for the ceremony at 2pm.
The walled gardens are built around a collection of yew trees, which are thought to be 500 to 800 years old.
The castle and gardens have a long history with links to the Jacobites, Queen Victoria and Robert Burns.
In 2014, the gardens were gifted to the people of Ellon, having fallen into a dangerous state of disrepair.
A board of trustees was set up to restore the gardens to their former glory for the benefit of the community.
The main structures have been made safe, although more work is planned on the listed monuments including the garden house and the ruins of the old castle.
The gardening team, including many volunteers, have transformed the grounds from an overgrown tangle of ivy and weeds to much-admired gardens.
Ellon Castle Gardens is open to visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11am to 3pm.
Membership supports the ongoing restoration and provides free entry to the gardens. Visitors can sign up at www.elloncastlegardens.net
Non-members are welcome to visit for a £3 entry fee.
For more local news read here
