Lanark Castlebank centre celebrates with open day

It is the largest step in the restoration of Castlebank’s former glory, but the driving force, Sylvia Russell who chairs Lanark Community Development Trust, made it plain there was a long way still to go.

“We have still got masses to do, but we are getting there,” she said.

Cutting the ribbon to open the centre, which includes huge polytunnels and raised flower beds, Provost Eileen Logan made it clear that this was more than an official duty – it was “a labour of love”.

“This is a wonderful park, and one with many happy memories for me,” she said.

And she spoke of childhood visits to the park, in the days when buses brought Sunday School trips there too.

Her favourite part had been the walled garden, and Sylvia was quick to point out that the terraces were being restored, with the top two already blooming again.

Work carried out by the council included the new play area and the picnic area - and the public are invited along this Sunday, May 25, to see all the improvements, at an open afternoon.

The new horticulture training centre – which is working with schools and will offer Royal Horticultural Society courses – will be open, and there will be a scavenger hunt, five-a-side football, a bouncy castle, plants for sale, face painting and teas.

For more, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette.