A GROUP set up to secure the long-term future of a popular garden near Helensburgh has donated £1,000 to help secure the future of the popular attraction.

The Friends of Geilston handed over a cheque to the garden at their annual general meeting, which was attended by almost 100 people.

The group, which formed to promote, protect and preserve the presence of Geilston Gardens, House and Estate in Cardross, discussed the highs and lows of the year with a series of presenters including Ian McLelland, area manager for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), which owns the property, and Louise Baker, visitor services manager at Hill House.

READ MORE: Friends voice 'cautious optimism' for Geilston Garden's future

Stewart Noble, chair of the Helensburgh Heritage Trust also made an interesting and informative presentation on the history of Geilston.

The year’s campaigning works were reviewed, with visitor numbers declared to have increased, which included Mr McLelland and his children.

Geilston will remain open for the forthcoming season, with craft workshops, wildlife days, an outdoor theatre production of Robin Hood and an Easter egg hunt due to take place in the better weather.

READ MORE: NTS announces 12-month delay to final decision on the future of Geilston Garden

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the year spoken about at the event was the presentation of a petition to the Scottish Parliament supported by local MSPs Jackie Baillie and Maurice Corry, which voiced concerns that the contributions of small gardens like Geilston had been minimised in national tourism strategies.

The petition has led the issues to be further investigated by the Parliament’s tourism committee.

To round off the evening, presentations were made with a donation of £1,000 to the garden.

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