Garden Owner Chosen Charity Case Studies

“Highland Hospice is extremely grateful to the Scotland’s Garden Scheme, where so far this year just over an outstanding £11,670 has been raised by eight separate gardens! 

The funds raised from this scheme will ensure that our staff and services have the resources required to carry on implementing the best possible care. Unbeknownst to a lot of people it is not just people with life-limiting illnesses that we provide care for, but we also provide a child bereavement service, befriending service and a care at home service and we would not be able to have these services without your support.“

This year, six gardens chose Marie Curie to benefit from 60% raised at their garden openings, raising a total of £8263 for the charity. 

“Marie Curie is delighted to benefit from funds raised from Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. Marie Curie is here for anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from, and those close to them. Whatever the illness, we’re with you to the end. We provide hospice care in our two Scottish hospices in Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as nursing care at home across Scotland. Our Information and Support line provides free practical and emotional support. The funds donated by Scotland’s Gardens Scheme helps us continue to ensure a better end of life for all.“

Last year, three gardens opened with Scotland's Gardens Scheme choosing Leuchie as their beneficiary, donating just over £3600 to the charity.

“We are extremely grateful to both Scotland’s Garden Scheme and the owners who opened up their gardens for Leuchie in 2024. More families than ever are coping with the responsibility of caring for a loved one with a serious neurological condition. Funds from Scotland’s Garden Scheme will enable Leuchie to reimagine respite as a service that delivers more, beyond the break, to improve the health of our guests, enable their independence and reduce the loneliness experienced by many as a result of their condition.”

Kincardine & Deeside Befriending works in rural southern Aberdeenshire with vulnerable, isolated and lonely older people, facilitating befriending visits for around 80-85 older people every month. They shared Merle and Jayne's story with us.

Merle, now 84, was referred to us by her GP in early 2021. Mere lives alone, has a cognitive impairment, a visual impairment and suffers from low mood and anxiety. She was very lonely and felt isolated. While Merle’s memory can be very poor, she really enjoys lively conversation and is able to reminisce clearly. Merle was delighted to be matched with Jayne. Sometimes they just stay in and chat when Merle doesn’t feel like going out. Other times, they are able to go for a trip in the car and stop for tea and cake. 

Merle says of Jayne, “I get excited knowing Jayne is coming. She’s lovely. I can really talk to her and we have good conversations.”  

Jayne says, “It is obvious to me that Merle gets a great deal from our meeting. She often says, ‘you have made my day’, and how much she is enjoying being out.

I think the mental stimulation of talking about the past and taking a drive and having a coffee out is hugely beneficial. For me, I have always enjoyed being a befriender, it is very rewarding to know you have brightened up their day and made them feel better. I love hearing stories about the past, what it was like to live in a different generation and the lives they have led.” 

With thanks to the owners of Glensaugh garden who raised just over £500 to support their chosen charity.