£17,000 Crowdfunding Restoration Appeal for Haddington’s Popular Historic Garden

Jenny Harman - Garden Manager, Iain Trotter - East Coast Masonry, and Neil Irvine - East Lothian Council (from l. to r.)

Please Help Us Preserve and Grow Haddington Garden

A significant project is underway to rebuild the historic boundary wall for the fine 17th Century Scottish Garden at St Mary’s Pleasance in Haddington. The essential restoration is utilising the master stonemason skills of local contractor, East Coast Masonry.

Severely storm-damaged several years ago, the collapsed wall, which is jointly owned by East Lothian Council and Haddington Garden Trust, has been an eyesore in the otherwise beautifully planted walled garden, set in the heart of the local community adjacent to historic Haddington House on Sidegate and St Mary’s Church along the riverside. The total cost of the restoration works is over £65,000.

The damaged garden wall when fully demolished ready for rebuilding.

As co-owner, East Lothian Council has contributed 50% of the project’s costs and awarded the Trust a further £15,000 from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme 25/26, which it administers. The local authority supported the tender process and is project managing the construction contract.

The Trust, which owns and manages the maintenance of the much-loved community garden, is appealing to the public for donations to support its remaining £17,000 contribution towards the rebuild and restoration work.

Iain Trotter, managing director of East Coast Masonry said: “This is an ambitious repair programme for the charitable trust and the local authority to work on together. As a Haddington resident all my life, it’s particularly rewarding to use traditional skills and play a key role in restoring something of such historic importance for the garden and riverside environment.”

However, the charity has a shortfall of £17,000 and has launched a Crowdfunding Appeal asking for wider support.

Meeting the target will enable the project to keep on track without jeopardising the stability of the Trust, which was established in 1973 to care for the garden.

Karen Stevenson, chair of Haddington Garden Trust, said: “Please give a little and help us to repair the damage so that we can continue to welcome over 10,000 people every year to appreciate the beauty and peace of this special place.”

The demolished wall looking from the Garden towards Lady Kitty’s Doocot and the Nungate Bridge.