Monday September 21st 2026
The Sunken Garden looking across Haddington Garden towards St Mary’s Church.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A new Friends scheme has been launched to help protect one of Haddington’s historic hidden gems.
More than 50 guests gathered at St Mary’s Pleasance to launch the Friends of Haddington Garden initiative, which aims to raise vital funds for the upkeep of the 17th-century garden.
The event brought together garden volunteers and trustees, local businesses, community groups and supporters of the garden.
The garden’s patron, Michael Williams, and Haddington Garden Trust chair Karen Stevenson welcomed guests, who also included Lord Provost John McMillan, Lord Lieutenant Roderick Urquhart and the Duke of Hamilton.
The Duke’s family helped establish St Mary’s Pleasance as a garden in 1972 after rescuing and donating the site.
Guests were treated to a tour by garden manager Jenny Bell Harman, taking in the sunken garden, rose borders, topiary, fruit trees and meadows that have been rewilded to support biodiversity.
The tour ended along the garden’s mature Laburnum Allee and Hornbeam Walk.
St Mary’s Pleasance welcomes more than 10,000 visitors every year, with the Trust hoping the new scheme will help preserve the garden for future generations.
Ms Stevenson said: “Our new Friends of Haddington Garden scheme provides essential annual income to help maintain one of Haddington’s treasures.
“Please give a little so you can help us welcome over 10,000 people every year to appreciate the beauty and peace of this tranquil sanctuary.”
Friends will receive seasonal updates, invitations to the annual Friends’ Drinks Party and exclusive garden tours.
The Trust is encouraging local residents and garden lovers to become Friends and help support the future of St Mary’s Pleasance.
Tweet Share on Facebook
