A SUPPORT group fighting to save Geilston Garden in Cardross has lodged a petition at the Scottish Parliament as they aim to attract more backing for their cause.

The petition by the Friends of Geilston urges the Scottish Government to meet the garden’s owner, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), “to discuss its position in relation to closure of NTS properties and the effect these closures have for local communities and for the wider tourism appeal of Scotland”.

The result of an economic impact assessment on Geilston will go before NTS trustees later this year – and is expected to have a major impact on the Trust’s decision on the garden’s long-term future.

READ MORE: Crunch time for Geilston as garden's future to be made clear

The NTS said in 2017 that visitor numbers at Geilston were “unsustainable” and that it was “considering the future” of the facility.

Allison Hillis, chair of the Friends, said: “Right now is probably the best time to take action to protect not only our much-loved garden but also other Trust properties under threat which may not have the benefit of an active Friends group.

“We hope that the Scottish Government agrees with us that the National Trust for Scotland, through its properties, has much to offer not only to local communities but also the growing tourism industry so important for Scotland.”

IN PICTURES: Geilston Garden at its brilliant best

An NTS spokesman said: “The NTS is more than playing its part in contributing to and sustaining the Scottish tourism sector, attracting 3.7 million visitors a year and, this year alone, investing £13 million in visitor experiences and conservation activities.”

As of the petition's closing date, Monday, June 10, 309 signatures had been collected.

It can be found at parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01721.