Book

‘It is a masterpiece, so skilfully written and clearly the result of very careful research‘ Martin Gardner MBE VMM; Co-ordinator – International Conifer Conservation Programme; Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

‘It is a serious work, well researched and referenced, but is also readable and generously illustrated… [It] would make an ideal gift for anyone with an interest in Scotland and historic gardens.’ Vanessa Stephen, Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage Journal, Issue 9 November 2021

This book tells the story of the Crathes garden and its surrounding landscape, and of the people who have been instrumental in its development. It also explores the roles Crathes plays in addressing issues of conservation and climate change. The author, Susan Bennett, has been a volunteer garden guide in the gardens for over a decade. The sixteen chapters are well illustrated with historical and modern images. Designed by Dalrymple, this attractive book can be enjoyed by gardeners and historians alike. The book, retailing at £30, can be purchased at the Crathes Castle shop and other Trust properties in the North East. It is also available at various bookshops on Deeside. Alternatively it can be purchased by emailing a postal address to the author at speybooks@gmail.com – there is no charge for second class postage in the UK.

Errata

I greatly regret omitting to thank Scotland’s Gardens and Landscape Heritage for the opportunity to visit so many of Scotland’s great gardens with members of the society. These visits gave me an invaluable background to the whole project. Especially I would like to thank Judy Riley who gave me a lift to some of the venues.

It is inevitable that a few mistakes are found after publication. Here are some mistakes I particularly wish to correct:

• P 125 Robin Fox Lane should read Robin Lane Fox – apologies.
• P 138 Sorbus pseudofennica should read Sorbus pseudomeinichii.
• P 70 The portrait is not Alexander, but Sir Thomas Burnett 8th baronet of Leys. The original print, by Robert Moore Hodgetts after a painting by William Powell Frith, is in the collection of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and can be found online.