Outings 2024/5

Spring Outing Report

Our 2025 spring outing took place on the Thursday, 15th May when we visited Gielston Gardens at Cardross, A National Trust property.  Eight members, led by our President, Paul,  made our way independently to Gielston with some car-sharing adding to the social nature of the visit. The weather was glorious and the gardens full of Spring colour.  The Azaleas, in particular, were stunning.  Friendly garden volunteers were generous with information and advice.  After touring the gardens we adjourned to nearby Ardardan Garden Centre for a delicious lunch.  A few intrepid souls finished off the day with a short journey to Helensburgh, where ice cream was enjoyed before a trip back to Kirkintilloch by the scenic route taking in Loch Lomond on the way.

Wendy Bryson

Summer outing report

Thanks to Wendy Bryson’s organisation, 29 of us were all safely aboard our luxury coach at Lenzie station and out of the rain.  Off we splashed, first stop Loch Leven Larder for our morning coffee and browse around the farm shop.  We were glad there was room for us all indoors as the rain was pelting down by now.  Next stop was Falkland where the rain managed to hold off for a wee while.  Here, we had the option to tour the Palace and gardens, look at the small local shops or indulge in more locally sourced food.  There are a few photos of the Palace gardens below.

Our next destination was Pitlochie House where Fay welcomed us while we looked askance at the sky.  Surely there wasn’t more rain coming?  Fay told us about her restoration project which she has been working on for 7 years.  It has quirky features, characters and surprises! Comprising lots of different areas, the garden was showing us over 140 varieties of hosta, plus heuchera, hellebores, roses, clematis, and lilies. The formal herbaceous borders are within the walled garden and there were pots of all description in every available corner.  Sadly the rain did come on but we were welcomed into the house for tea.  We were able to warm up, dry off and enjoy the spread.  Some photos taken by members below which give an idea of the quirkiness.  Many thanks to Fay for her welcome and the wonderful tea.