An historic Moray estate is celebrating the fruits of its labour after securing a bumper harvest from its resurrected walled garden.
Gordon Castle’s eight-acre garden had largely fallen into disuse until three years ago, but since the launch of a major restoration effort it is playing an increasing role in stocking its pantry.
For the first time since the renovation began, the yard has provided much of the fruit, vegetables and herbs used in the on-site cafe.
When it is fully restored it will be the largest walled garden in Scotland.
The estate’s Zara Gordon Lennox said the plot played an instrumental role in the success of Gordon Castle as a visitor attraction.
She said: “The walled garden at Gordon Castle was one of the most productive kitchen gardens in the UK, but by the time we took it over in 2011 all that remained were the fruit trees – the rest was just a grass field.
“Every part of the Gordon Castle business we have created since then has been centred on this historic garden.
“It is incredibly important to us.
“We may not be at the end of the restoration yet, but seeing what can be produced after two years is astounding.”
The yard is estimated to be approximately halfway through the refurbishment process, with work scheduled to conclude in 2017.
The project has been spearheaded by leading garden designer Arne Maynard.
Over the summer months, potatoes, beans, cabbages, cauliflowers and tomatoes grown there were served in the estate’s Walled Garden Cafe.
Gordon Castle’s range of jams, chutneys, herbal teas and gin are also made from ingredients picked on-site.
So far this year more than 50,000 visitors have visited the garden and plans for its future improvement include the creation of a maze in time for next summer.
Gardeners also plan to install large pear tunnels, and this autumn will pick their first pumpkins, courgettes and squashes.
During the Victorian and Edwardian eras the garden employed scores of local people, and recently work has completed on the rejuvenation of a glasshouse from that era.