COLUMNIST: THE CALEY
The Caley issues a number of awards, medals, and certificates of merit in recognition of the achievements of professional horticulturalists, amateur gardeners, students, and apprentices. The awards are open to anyone. You do not need to be a Caley member to nominate someone for an award, or to receive an award.
Nominations are now open for awards to be presented in March 2024, with a closing date for nominations of 17th of November 2023. Nominations received after this date will not be put forward for consideration.
You can find a brief description of each of the awards below to help you decide in which category to nominate your chosen person or group, and an online Award Nomination here. If you would prefer a paper copy of the form, please contact our Administrator: administrator@rchs.co.uk.
An award first introduced in 1959 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Society. The award is strictly limited to a maximum of 50 recipients at any one time and is awarded to anyone, anywhere, either professional or amateur, who has made an outstanding contribution to Scottish Horticulture. For a full list of those who currently hold the Scottish Horticultural Medal, please click here.
An award to a Scottish botanist or cultivator. This medal is awarded biennially. The medal was established in 1851 by Dr Patrick Neill, one of the Founders and the first Secretary of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society. He instigated the award of this medal to a distinguished Scottish botanist or cultivator and a bequest to sustain it.
Introduced in 1990 to mark the 90th birthday of the Society’s then Patron, the Queen Mother. The medal is awarded for outstanding service by a non-professional.
Introduced in 2003 for distinguished service to horticulture by an educationalist, advisor, or administrator.
An award to a high achieving horticulture student or apprentice.
These awards were re-introduced in 2002 and acknowledge a wide range of service to gardening or horticulture.
An award that recognises the achievements of students and apprentices of horticulture.
An award that recognises the achievements of the many and varied groups working across Scottish horticulture: community groups, friends’ groups, and many more.
Remember you've got to be in it, to win it, so nominate someone you think worthy of an award!
For a full list of previous winners and current medal holders, click here.
The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, known affectionately as ‘The Caley’, was established in 1809 by a group of seventeen Edinburgh worthies at a meeting held at the Royal College of Physicians.
In a regular column for Scotland Grows, members of The Caley talk about the work of the Society in Scotland with gardening and gardeners.
The Caley is always ready to welcome new members and offers a wide range of benefits in joining. From workshops and classes to talks and trips, there is sure to be something to interest anyone in Scotland with a love of plants and gardening. Find out more about how to join Scotland’s National Horticultural and Gardening Society on their website.