Trip to Little Sparta

Arran Civic Trust are organising a visit to the garden of Little Sparta on Thursday, 12th September 2024. This follows our very successful visit to Dumfries House last year.

This internationally acclaimed garden, created over 25 years by Ian Hamilton Finlay, is set in 7 acres of moorland in the Pentland Hills. To quote the website:

Collaborating with stone carvers, letterers and at times other artists and poets, the numerous sculptures and artworks created by Finlay, which are all integral to the garden, explore themes as diverse as the sea and its fishing fleets, our relationship to nature, classical antiquity, the French Revolution and the Second World War. Individual poetic and sculptural elements, in wood, stone and metal, are sited in relation to carefully structured landscaping and planting. In this way, the garden in its entirety is the artwork.

Very fortunately local sculptor Tim Pomeroy will be joining us for the day. Tim collaborated in building the garden and is happy to share his knowledge and experience in the garden.

Leaving Brodick on the 08.20 ferry, a coach will take us from Ardrossan to the garden, a journey time of approximately 2 hours, and return to Ardrossan for the 6pm ferry. There is no catering at the garden so please bring refreshments with you. The garden is a 10 minute walk up a stony track from the car park. A mobility scooter may be available which must be arranged in advance. To use the scooter, please let us know when you book.

The total cost will be £34 per person (£8 for entry to the garden and £26 for the coach).

We hope you will join us for what promises to be a unique trip to a very beautiful place. The visit is not limited to ACT members - all are welcome!

To reserve a place/places please reply to pdscott37@eclipso.eu or telephone John Adam on 01770 850230.