Tuesday February 24th 2026
Winton Castle Gardens
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Winton Castle in East Lothian are welcoming visitors to their 94th Open Day under Scotland’s Garden Scheme, raising money for East Lothian Foodbank (ELF) in the process.
Visitors are welcomed to explore the gardens around the castle, alongside offered tea and light lunches in the pop-up Cafe Winton and to learn about Winton’s history that includes, the Setons, Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Elgin Marbles, on guided Castle Tours.
Winton is the longest running garden to open under Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, originally formed in 1931 to raise money for the Queens Nursing Institute of Scotland (QNIS). With the founding of the NHS in 1948, there was less need for QNIS funds, and opportunities arose to support other charities. Now, gardens that open under the Scheme give 60% of their profits to a charity of their own choice, with the rest going to Scotland’s Garden Scheme charities.
Winton has supported various charities and for the past 10 years, the choice of charity for this year has been decided by a majority staff vote, being East Lothian Foodbank.
Currently, Winton is delighted to support East Lothian Foodbank (ELF).
Lisa McCart from the food bank expressed her excitement and gratitude for the partnership, explaining:
“At East Lothian Foodbank, we want to make sure no one in our community goes hungry. Every week, we meet local people and families facing difficult times, and we see the difference that a little kindness can make. None of this would be possible without the incredible support we receive from our community, and we’re so lucky to work alongside some truly generous local partners.
“The team at Winton have supported us in so many thoughtful ways, from fundraising at their popular open days to donating wonderful fresh fruit from their gardens. These delicious, homegrown additions to our food parcels have been a real treat and a lovely reminder of how generosity can quite literally grow close to home.
“Winton Castle’s commitment to helping their local community shines through in everything they do, and we’re really excited to be developing this partnership further in the months and years ahead. Together, we’ll continue exploring new ways to support local families and make a lasting, positive impact across East Lothian.
“To everyone at Winton Castle – from the gardeners, fundraisers to the events team – thank you for your kindness, energy, and support. Together, we’re making a difference in every community across East Lothian.”
Winton’s Open Day takes place on 29 March from 12:30pm to 4:00pm. For more information click here.
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