Achamore Gardens Storm Recovery Fund
Donation protected
On the tiny island of Gigha, just off Scotland’s west coast, you’ll find Achamore Gardens, developed in the mid-20th century by Sir James Horlick as a treasure filled woodland garden, home to his extensive collections of rhododendrons, conifers and sub-tropical rarities. Now owned by the community of Gigha, and normally open to the public all year-round, beautiful Achamore is loved by locals and visitors from around the world.
On the 24th of January, Achamore suffered a grievous blow at the hand of storm Éowyn, with severe and widespread damage impacting the entire 54 acres. More than 100 trees have fallen or suffered serious wounds, and massive trunks and root balls are strewn throughout the woodland glades like discarded matches. Precious shrubs and plants, including some of the original rhododendrons and specimen trees planted by Sir James Horlick, have toppled or lie crushed beneath the fallen giants. Saddest of all, our UK champion Daurian Larch tree which graced the Main Drive lawns and was adored by residents and visitors alike, now lies stricken on the grass it used to shade. For everyone’s safety we’ve had to close the garden to all visitors and will lose precious income as a result.
Whilst we are heart-sore at the damage the storm inflicted and devastated to see our beloved Garden in such a mess, the team are doing what they do best; chins up, noses down, they are hard at work tackling what they can. The garden is alive with the buzz of chainsaws and the crackle of bonfires, but the reality is that the damage inflicted is far beyond our wee team’s ability to cope with. We need the assistance of specialist contractors and machinery, and we need your help to raise the considerable costs involved.
When we started the restoration of Achamore Gardens almost 5 years ago, the garden was in a terrible state, and we’ve worked so hard to bring it back from the brink and breathe new life into it. While the destruction wrought by the storm feels like a huge set back, we have been blown away by the tremendous support being offered from Achamore and Gigha’s friends and supporters. We know how important the Gardens are to both our community and to those who love to visit, so please help us if you can. All of your donations will go towards helping the Gardens recover from the recent storm, funding tree surgeons and other specialists, hiring machinery, restoring pathways, replanting areas that have been damaged, and, most importantly of all, allowing us to reopen the garden and welcome you and all of our visitors back.
You can follow the recovery and see your donations at work on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
GIFT AID - We cannot claim Gift Aid through this GoFundMe campaign, however if you are a tax payer and therefore eligible, the Trust can reclaim Gift Aid on your behalf. If you wish for the Trust to claim Gift Aid on your behalf, please contact the Trust with your full name and address once you have made your donation.
No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.
Organizer
Isle Of Gigha Heritage Trust
Organizer
Scotland