Following a recent Scottish Parliamentary event to discuss the Horticultural Trade Association’s (HTA) Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy for Scotland, many MSPs pledged to plant a tree in their community.
The initiative is kindly sponsored by members of the HTA, and Eden Garden Centre in Dundonald is one of those supporting this good cause.
Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, visited her local garden centre to accept a Prunus Serrula, or Birch Bark Cherry Tree as it is commonly known, which will now be planted in the newly opened Netherthird Primary School in Cumnock.
Elena Whitham MSP, said: “I was pleased to support the HTA’s recent Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy launch and was delighted to pledge to plant a tree for our community. I would like to give my deep thanks to Emma and Rob and their team at Eden for sponsoring the gifting of this magnificent tree, which was thoughtfully selected for its unique colouring and interesting bark patterns.
“This beautiful tree has now been given to the children at Netherthird Primary School to be planted for them to watch it blossom and grow along with them, as well as for all the community to enjoy.
“The horticulture industry is so very important for the environment, health and wellbeing and local jobs – and it is so very important for our young folks to enjoy and learn as much as they can about the industry from an early age.”
Ron, Director of Eden Garden Centre, said: “We are pleased to welcome Elena to Eden and are proud to sponsor her tree for this good cause. We hope that MSPs and the Government will continue to engage with the horticulture industry.”
Horticulture and landscaping supported contributions of £2.8bn towards GDP and over 64,000 jobs in Scotland in 2019. This has the potential to rise significantly by 2030.
The HTA has been working closely with MSPs and the Scottish Government to produce the Growth Strategy, which has seven key ambitions for Scotland:
- Health – To create a healthier Scotland through horticulture
- Economy – Develop green economic growth, high-quality jobs and invest in education/skills.
- Environment – To mitigate climate change
- Local – Increase the use of Scottish and UK-grown plants as import substitution
- Industry – Drive Scottish growth through investment, development grants and reducing the cost of doing business
- Urban Nature – Produce a greener planning system
- Biosecurity – Eenhance and protect Scotland’s natural capital.
