A charity air ambulance service which is vital to Aberdeenshire communities has received a funding boost courtesy of a local open garden day event.
Rarely open to the public, Glenkindie Castle Gardens, part of the nearby Kildrummy Estate near Alford, owned by Christopher and Camille Bently, drew in 212 visitors and helped raise £3362.00 for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
Part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, guests enjoyed exploring the garden at the event on Aug 29, with a particular highlight being the display of Christopher’s bonsai collection.
The scheme raises money for charity by organising the opening of large and small gardens of horticultural interest throughout Scotland. Most are privately owned and are normally inaccessible to the public at other times. Scotland’s Garden Scheme raised just under £400,000 for charity through garden open days in 2024, with around £220,000 directly benefitting 240 charities and local good causes chosen by garden owners.
All proceeds from entry fees will be donated to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, the nation’s only charity air ambulance, which plays a crucial role in responding to life-threatening accidents and medical emergencies across Scotland. It is entirely funded by the generosity of the Scottish public. Working in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) as part of Scotland’s emergency response network, covering over 30,000 square miles, SCAA is vital in Scotland’s most remote and rural areas.
Camille Bently said: “It was a pleasure to open the gardens to the public in support of such a vital cause. We’re incredibly grateful for the turnout and generosity shown by everyone who joined us.
Every donation helps keep the Air Ambulance flying and making sure help is always within reach for those that need it, especially those in remote and rural locations. We’re proud that the estate could play a part in supporting the team behind such an essential service.”
