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Nicky Macpherson and head gardener Geoff Stephenson pictured in the gardens

Attadale Gardens at Strathcarron in Wester Ross have been named the top garden to visit in Scotland by BBC Gardeners’ World magazine.

The “gardens to visit” guide in the May issue reveals the votes of 4,500  magazine readers and web users, who also voted Attadale as the best afternoon tea, best for romance and best for kids.

The gardens are part of the Attadale Estate owned by Ian and Nicky Macpherson. For over 30 years Mrs Macpherson has devoted herself to working on the gardens and creating a beautiful area to enjoy and explore, with features including a water garden, sculptures, a Japanese garden and sunken garden which changes annually. The gardening team at Attadale includes head gardener Geoff Stephenson and his main assistant, Frances MacKenzie.

Mrs Macpherson said: “We are very grateful to everyone who voted for us and these awards are entirely due to those working in the garden.  We are expecting a huge turnout of Meconopsis betonicifolia or Himilayan blue poppy this year, which we have been working on.”

The Gardeners’ World guide comments: “Founded by the Victorians, this garden has now been totally transformed into a painter’s garden, designed to frame the magnificent views of Skye and the surrounding hills. It features waterfalls, Monet bridges, blue Himalayan poppies, bamboos and candelabra primulas, which are reflected in dark pools.”

The gardens are open from April to October and will host an open day on Saturday 22nd May as part of the Scottish Garden Scheme, with all proceeds going to the Howard Doris Centre in Lochcarron.

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Head gardener Geoff Stephenson