Cumbernauld garden transformed into a little Ireland

Lifelong Primrose Place resident Paddy McAteer (60) certainly has the luck of the Irish.

For pals nearby have bedecked his front garden with treasures including a giant shamrock, the Blarney Stone, a customised Leprechaun, and bejewelled bench bearing the timeless claddagh love token.

The striking seat had a previous life as part of a trampoline, but when Paddy’s cronies get crafty they love to use recycled materials.

The gardeners, who are all members of the Condorrat Tenants and Residents Assocation, decided to make Paddy’s garden their latest project after enlivening their area with a series of murals and ornamental fixtures.

Paddy is a former landscape gardner who is a bit poorly at the moment and his friend simply wanted to cheer him up. They know he loves going to Ireland – so they thought they’d bring Ireland to him.

Paddy’s wife Margaret was in on the secret and advised Paddy’s friends to wait until Michael went for a run to Loch Lomond with son Tony and granddaugher Hannah.

“When I came back and saw it I just couldn’t believe it,” said Paddy. “It was an amazing gesture and I’m very grateful.

CTRA’s Kate McLean said: “It took us weeks to make everything and a day to put everything in.

“Needless to say We’re getting requests to do everyone’s garden now!’’ she added.