SRUC Elmwood Campus and Falkland Palace and gardens

Book Online Book online or by cheque made payable to the PGG. To Colin Carmichael, Selma, Old Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2DH.

PGG visit to SRUC Elmwood Campus and Falkland Palace and gardens

SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) Elmwood

SRUC Elmwood is located in northeast Fife, only nine miles from St Andrews. The campus consists of Elmwood House, which comprises classrooms, staff rooms, a student social area, a small self-service kitchen, a shared use area including library resources and a LapSafe. The West Wing provides access to the animal care unit, additional classrooms and the student support hub. The horticulture unit is where classrooms, staff room, horticultural sheds, potting shed and glass houses are located. There are also extensive grounds, gardens and ponds which provide an ideal training ground for the horticultural and wildlife and conservation students. Elmwood offers courses from NC level up to BSc/BSc (Hons) in Horticulture, Horticulture (Plant and Science Technology), Horticulture (Plantsmanship) and Horticulture with Landscape Construction.

Falkland Palace and gardens

Nestled at the foot of the Lomond Hills in the heart of the Royal Burgh of Falkland, Falkland Palace is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Rising from the ruins of an earlier medieval castle built by the Earls of Fife, the palace was a royal hunting lodge and country retreat for 22 successive generations of Stuart kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and King James VI and I. There is also a huge amount to explore in the tranquil grounds, which are home to the oldest real or royal tennis court in Britain (built for King James V) as well as an ancient orchard with a wildflower meadow. The extensive formal garden was designed by Percy Cane. The grounds include a physic garden with Renaissance-era herbal remedies. If you are a fan of TV series Outlander, you will be in for a treat as Falkland village and palace were used as a film location.

Programme

Meet in reception area, Elmwood House.
10.30am. Tea/coffee.
11.00am. Guided tour with lecturer and PGG member, Tom Malone.
12.30-1.30pm. Lunch in Falkland; there are plenty of good cafes/restaurants or bring a picnic.
2.00pm. Falkland Palace self-guided tour of the gardens.
5.00pm. Gardens close.

Directions

SRUC Elmwood, Carslogie Road, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4JB
From Edinburgh, follow signs to the Forth Road Bridge, then continue on to the M90 northbound. Leave the M90 at Junction 8 and join the A91 towards Auchtermuchty, Cupar and St Andrews. Continue through Auchtermuchty, then continue straight over the Melville Lodges Roundabout still following signs towards Cupar. After passing the Scottish Deer Centre on the right, continue for a further two miles. Elmwood Campus is situated on the left- hand side.

From Perth, follow the M90 southbound. Leave the M90 at Junction 9 and join the A913 towards Cupar. Upon entering Cupar, turn right onto the A91, following signs to Auchtermuchty. Continue for 1/4 mile. Elmwood Campus is situated on the right- hand side.

Falkland Palace, East Port, Falkland, Cupar KY15 7BY

Cost

£17.00 per person; this includes entrance to the palace and gardens.

NB. If you are a NTS or NT member you will get in free. Don’t book online but let me know that you are coming along please scotland@pgg.org.uk. Remember to bring your NTS/NT card.

Booking

Book Online Book online or by cheque made payable to the PGG. To Colin Carmichael, Selma, Old Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2DH.

NB. Sorry no pets.