DUMBARTON and the Vale residents old and young came together last Sunday to raise funds for charity.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Ailsa and Heather FergusonAilsa and Heather Ferguson

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Best friends Olive and EmilyBest friends Olive and Emily

Visitors to Geilston Garden in Cardross took part in the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme charity initiative by purchasing tea and cakes.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Emma, Maya and PaulEmma, Maya and Paul

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Farah, Mollie, Claire and JulieFarah, Mollie, Claire and Julie

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme was established in 1931 and helps garden owners across Scotland open their gardens to the public to raise money for charity - from cottage gardens to stately homes; allotments to therapeutic and physic gardens; formal gardens to wildlife sanctuaries.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Helen and Jonathan Green with FrankieHelen and Jonathan Green with Frankie

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Jean McBride and Tom BowderJean McBride and Tom Bowder

Sixty percent of funds raised may go to charities nominated by each garden owner with the net remainder being donated to Scotland’s Gardens Scheme beneficiaries: Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland, The Gardens Fund of the National Trust for Scotland and Perennial.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Jeanne Easton and Christopher FraserJeanne Easton and Christopher Fraser

Alison Farrell, who is the National Trust’s head gardener for Geilston Garden and the Hill House, said the event was a success.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Lorna Brown and Ruth McKechnieLorna Brown and Ruth McKechnie

She added: “The sun shone and the garden was very busy with many local and new visitors all enjoying the wonderful display of colour from the Azaleas and bluebells.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Season Geilston gardener Isabel QueenSeason Geilston gardener Isabel Queen

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Alice and Archie McKendryAlice and Archie McKendry

“The fantastic Scotland’s Gardens Scheme volunteers were kept extremely busy serving afternoon teas and the Geilston Garden team were on hand to answer many interesting gardening questions throughout the afternoon.”