Flower of Scotland Blooms at Torosay

Mon 01 Jun, 2009 // Tartan Silk

The UK’s largest flower Saltire has been unveiled today at Torosay Castle and Gardens on the Isle of Mull. In celebration of Homecoming Scotland 2009, Torosay has planted over 1000 blue and white pansies in the shape of the iconic St Andrews cross.

Owner Chris James comments: “Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a fantastic opportunity for Scots from all over the world to celebrate our heritage and we felt we should do something at Torosay to mark this historic year. We are very proud of our gardens and decided that the flower Saltire would be a fitting tribute.”

Torosay’s gardens are a result of many generations of foresight followed by hard work and lots of planting. Documentation referring to the gardens dates back to around 1900, when owner Chris James’ great grandfather Murray Guthrie built the formal terraces and gazebos as well as importing the 19 famous statues, which line Torosay’s statue walk, from a deserted villa in Padua, Italy.

The only forest in the UK dedicated to indigenous Chilean trees and plants can be found at Torosay, featuring a number of species which are rarely seen outside of their native country, including various Eucryphias. The climate on Mull is influenced by the Gulf Stream, making it possible to grow a unique variety of tropical flora and fauna with everything from Himalayan blue poppies to the rare Latua Pubiflora.

Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, comments: “I am delighted that Torosay Castle has decided to mark the year of Homecoming by planting a Saltire flower display. I am sure that this latest addition to the castle’s magnificent gardens will be welcomed by visitors.

“Homecoming 2009 is shaping up to be a real success, with huge support both at home and abroad. There is no better time to visit Scotland and with an excellent range of over 300 events taking place across the country, there will be something for everyone.”

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