Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has added Glenwhan Gardens and Arboretum, Dumfries and Galloway, to the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.

Glenwhan Gardens and Arboretum is the inspiration of Tessa Knott Sinclair who began creating the garden from scratch during the late 1970s. Glenwhan is of outstanding artistic interest for how Tessa Knott Sinclair transformed wild and seemingly inhospitable moorland into one of Scotland’s most distinctive new gardens of recent times. The gardens benefit from outstanding views over water, linking water features of the garden with views over Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway beyond. Glenwhan Gardens and Arboretum are also of interest for their collections of tender and rare species rhododendron and azaleas, shrubs, and trees, including many rare specimens from China and the southern hemisphere.

A member of the public nominated the site as part of Historic Environment Scotland’s  Designed Landscapes of the Recent Past project, an initiative to identify, record, recognise and celebrate Scotland’s modern garden and designed landscape heritage.  

Glenwhan has now been added to the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes, a record of nationally important gardens and designed landscapes and a major resource for enhancing appreciation and understanding of these sites, as well as promoting education and stimulating further research.

Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: “Glenwhan Gardens is an excellent addition to the inventory.

“Gardens and designed landscapes of the recent past such as Glenwhan are an important element of Scotland’s historic environment and landscape. However, they are not always valued as much as older sites and can also be vulnerable to loss. It’s important to record and promote awareness of these sites through our work. We also need to ensure we protect them in the same way as older sites.”

Tessa Knott Sinclair said: “We are delighted that Glenwhan Gardens has been recognised for its national significance in Scotland. For many years, we have worked to create a special and unique place for all to come enjoy the seasons in the garden. We are so pleased our efforts will now be marked and celebrated by Historic Environment Scotland.”