27-05-2025
This garden is one of the most poignant in Scotland: How to visit it
Angus's Garden was begun in the 1950s by Betty Macdonald as a memorial to her son who had been killed while working as a news reporter in Cyprus.
She had a vision to create a place of beauty that would provide peace and healing to those that visited and today the garden that she created continues to fulfil that promise, inspiring visitors with a sense of deep tranquillity.
The garden is open all year round, but it is at its very best in early summer when rhododendrons, azaleas and other flowering shrubs are in full bloom.
This is not a place of neat borders and clipped hedges, instead the garden covers nine acres of woodland and designed landscape, set around a small loch which, at this time of year, is home to cygnets and ducklings.
Angus's Garden (Image: Supplied)
The wildness of those surroundings can at times be witnessed when golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles glide overhead and the woodlands are home to deer, red squirrels and other native species.
A network of trails gives visitors an opportunity to explore the hidden corners of the garden while a self-catering cottage offers a chance for a longer, more immersive stay.
This cottage, like all the buildings on the 4,000 acre estate in which the garden sits, is powered by wind and hydro energy.
The estate has been under the stewardship of the same family for four generations, but the history of occupation in this part of Argyll stretches back much further and the fort or 'Dun' behind the farmhouse is one of a number that are scattered across the landscape.
It is home to swans (Image: Supplied) At one end of the loch, hanging from a wooden support, is a large bell that was cast to mark Betty's 40 years of working in the garden, placing trees and shrubs where they would have most impact, and creating open areas from where the spectacular surroundings could be seen at their best.
Meanwhile, the single-track 'Road of the Kings' through Glen Lonan, is the route that was used to transport ancient kings on their final journey to burial on Iona.
Meanwhile, the village of Appin, which lies just under 20 miles north of Barguillean Farm, is home to Kinlochlaich Gardens, a nursery and garden centre set within an octagonal walled garden that is filled with unusual shrubs, including Enkianthus, Crinodendron, Embothrium, and Eucryphia.
There are also many different fruit trees, including peaches, nectarines and apricots, as well as productive grapevines, as well as vegetable beds and perennial borders which are filled with an abundance of flowers and foliage.
Details:
Angus's Garden is open daily, 9am – dusk.
Entry: £5/free (under 16s)
Tel: 01866 822 333
Directions:
Taynuilt sits on the A84, 14 miles from Oban.
From the centre of the village follow the sign for Glen Lonan.
In association with Discover Scottish Gardens
