The Horticultural Trades Association invited newly elected MSPs to join them and representative business members from Scotland's environmental horticulture industry for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, marking one of their first engagement events with Scotland's new Parliament.
Hosted by the HTA, the visit brought together MSPs, including Jim Fairlie - Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, policymakers, HTA members and horticulture businesses from across Scotland to explore the contribution environmental horticulture makes to Scotland's economy, communities and environment, while building relationships with a new cohort of parliamentarians at the start of the parliamentary term.
Led by Garden Lead and Head Gardener Stuart Lerette and his team, the tour provided attendees with a unique opportunity to see preparations underway for the Palace's annual Royal Garden Party and to gain insight into the skill, expertise, and planning required to maintain one of Scotland's most prestigious public gardens.
The visit showcased the important role environmental horticulture plays in creating and maintaining the gardens, green spaces and plants that support healthier communities, strengthen biodiversity and contribute to a more resilient economy. The sector contributes £2.6 billion to Scotland's GDP, supports almost 60,000 jobs and has the potential to grow its economic contribution to £5.1 billion by 2030.
Jim Fairlie MSP said: “It was a pleasure to join the HTA on their tour of the Holyrood Palace Gardens and once again meet with their members to discuss the vital role of horticulture across our communities and economy and how we can continue to work together to celebrate it.”
Katie Neenan, Senior Public Affairs & Policy Executive at the HTA, said: "This visit was a fantastic opportunity to introduce newly elected MSPs to Scotland's environmental horticulture sector and demonstrate the breadth of benefits that our members deliver for people, places and the economy.
"As we begin a new parliamentary term, it is important that policymakers understand the role our sector plays in supporting greener, healthier and more resilient communities. We look forward to building strong relationships with MSPs over the coming years and working together to help horticulture realise its full potential."
Stan Green, Chair of the HTA Scotland Policy Development Group, said: "The Gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse provide a wonderful example of horticultural excellence and the expertise that exists across our sector. Bringing MSPs together with growers, garden centres, garden designers, landscapers, and other horticultural businesses in this setting created valuable opportunities for discussion and relationship-building.
"Scotland's environmental horticulture industry has an important role to play in supporting economic growth, tackling environmental challenges and improving wellbeing. We are keen to work constructively with the new Parliament to ensure the sector receives the recognition and support it deserves."
Stuart Lerette, Garden Lead (Head Gardener) at the Gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, said: "It has been a great honour to show the HTA the gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse whilst we prepare for the Royal Garden Party. There is no better time to show off the hard work and dedication of my skilled team."
During the visit, attendees discussed priorities outlined in the HTA's Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto, including developing a Scottish Horticulture Strategy, supporting green skills and careers, investing in green spaces, improving health and wellbeing through horticulture, and measures to support business growth across the sector.
The event also provided an opportunity for newly elected MSPs to hear about the Gardening and Horticulture Cross-Party Group (CPG), for which the HTA serves as the secretariat and is seeking to reconstitute following the election.
The HTA Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto is available at: hta.org.uk/policy/scotland
