An innovative new partnership to help promote the National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine Garden in Argyll has been confirmed by the conservation charity today.

The garden has entered into a joint-working arrangement with the adjacent Loch Melfort Hotel and is also receiving valuable support from the recently established Arduaine Garden Support Group.

Under the new arrangements, the Loch Melfort Hotel can provide admission services as required, and will promote National Trust for Scotland membership to visitors. The hotel is also working in partnership with the garden to hold events that will increase awareness and revenue at Arduaine.

The 122–strong Arduaine Garden Support Group have also played an important role in promoting the garden locally, raising the profile and working to increase visitor numbers.

Both of these relationships have helped to improve the financial prospects for the garden, which had been facing an uncertain future earlier in 2009.

In addition, the Trust will continue with plans to raise funds for a substantial endowment to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the garden. Progress towards this will be reviewed again in 2012.

Chief Executive Kate Mavor said:

“I am convinced that partnership is the key to the Trust’s success in the future and this is well-demonstrated at Arduaine, where we have been overwhelmed by the support offered.

“All of this enthusiasm and creativity has helped us to come up with an approach which is very exciting for the Trust. We hope it will ensure that Arduaine flourishes in the future and that the garden continues to give pleasure to our members, visitors to Argyll and the local community for years to come.”

Chair of the AGSG and proprietor of the Loch Melfort Hotel Calum Ross said:

“This is great news for all concerned and a massive vote of confidence in the new partnership that we have created and put into practice in recent weeks. The Loch Melfort Hotel and Arduaine Garden Support Group are fully committed to working with the Trust in every way possible to ensure the long-term future of the garden.“

Anyone interested in supporting Arduaine Garden should contact the development team on development@nts.org.uk, or donations can be sent directly to Arduaine Garden, c/o Development Team, Wemyss House, 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4ET.

Arduaine Garden is open daily from 09.30 until sunset.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the Arduaine Garden Support Group should contact Rick Potter on 01852 200358 or email arduainegardensupportgroup@googlemail.com.

The National Trust for Scotland is one of Scotland’s leading conservation charities, which relies on the financial support of its members to fund its important work of caring for the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland for everyone to enjoy.

You can join the National Trust for Scotland for as little as £5 per month for a family. To become a member, visit http://www.nts.org.uk/Join/Benefits/.