The Caley Awards, a long-standing tradition dating back to the Society’s founding in 1809, celebrate excellence across the sector from passionate amateurs to leading professionals, shining a spotlight on individuals and groups whose work makes a profound impact in their communities and the wider Scottish landscape.
“Scotland has an international reputation for making great plantspeople and our recipients this year and every year showcase this. It is a unique honour as President of The Caley to recognise both professional horticulturists and domestic gardeners across Scotland at our annual awards ceremony,” said President Lewis Normand. “As is so often the case in Scotland, a huge amount of top-quality work is undertaken modestly and quietly by dedicated people at work, home, and in their communities. We love to celebrate these endeavours and reward individuals and groups for their successes.”
The Society actively encourages nominations from across the horticultural spectrum, recognising student apprentices, community groups, and seasoned professionals alike. This year’s recipients reflect the breadth and richness of Scottish gardening, from orchid societies and community guerrilla gardening initiatives to national plant breeding research.
This year’s awards recognised a wide variety of achievements, from botanical research and conservation work to education, community gardening, and personal commitment. Among the highlights were:
The highest award in Scottish horticulture, limited to just 50 living recipients, which permits holders to use the post nominal letters SHM, is presented to two recipients this year.
Colin Wren, Gardens & Designed Landscape Manager with the National Trust for Scotland, celebrated as Scotland’s leading heritage apple expert.
Colin Stirling, respected horticultural lecturer and soft fruit advisor, recognised for decades of work in education and therapeutic gardening, and for his roles as a Grow and Learn verifier, Director of Trellis, Chair of Pitcaple Environmental Project.
Awarded to non-professionals for exceptional service and presented to Alan Mackenzie, Chair of the Scottish Orchid Society, for his leadership and advocacy in orchid growing both in Scotland and across the UK.
An award made biennially for distinguished contribution to Scottish botany or cultivation, this year presented to Nikki Jennings, raspberry breeder at the James Hutton Institute, whose work has led to the development of new, disease-resistant cultivars.
Honours excellence in horticultural education and leadership, awarded to Simon Jones, National Trust for Scotland Gardens & Designed Landscape Manager (South & West), for his innovative and collaborative approach to tree conservation and horticultural education following the removal of over 1000 diseased larch at Arduaine in a phased and least impactful way, and subsequent cascading of this information both within the Trust and to many other gardens and related audiences.
Awarded to an outstanding horticultural student and received this year by Charlotte Masson, who completed an HNC in Horticulture with distinction at Elmwood College while balancing career and family.
Awarded to Paul Chappie, now with the National Trust for Scotland at Newhailes, for excellence in horticultural training at Threave.
Awarded to six inspirational organisations making a difference through gardening in their local communities from organising litter picking and seasonal planting schemes, to banning pesticide spraying locally and offering therapeutic gardening spaces. Pictured below are the winners, also awarded to The Stand – Leven (not present).
Ten individuals were recognised for their dedication to Scottish gardening and horticulture, including professional gardeners, allotment facilitators, educators, and volunteers from across the country. Recognised for wide-ranging and dedicated contributions to Scottish horticulture were those pictured below, and Gregor Anderson, previously Head Gardener, Arduaine, Grant Speed – Forres in Bloom, and Mary Holligan – Grove Academy teacher Dundee (not present).
Presented to Julie Muir (not present), for seven years of service as The Caley’s Administrator, and to Robert Ross for his tireless work overseeing financial reconciliation and governance as the society’s Finance Committee Chair.
Founded in 1809, The Caley is one of the oldest horticultural societies in the world. Established by a group of Edinburgh visionaries to encourage the cultivation of fruit, flowers, and vegetables, the Society has a long tradition of blending practical gardening expertise with education and innovation. It was granted its first Royal Charter in 1824 and over two centuries later, it continues to thrive under the Royal Patronage of HRH The Princess Royal, who succeeded her grandmother, the late Queen Mother, as Patron.
From the award of its first silver medal in 1810 for 500 radishes, to its current work in education and community gardening, The Caley has remained a vital part of Scotland’s horticultural heritage.
The Society’s home in Saughton Park, Edinburgh, now features demonstration gardens and a new glasshouse, welcoming all ages to get involved through monthly Saughton Sunday events, classes, and workshops. The Caley offers memberships for anyone in Scotland with a love of plants and gardening, and remains committed to growing Scotland’s horticultural future while honouring its rich past.
“The Caley Awards are open to all and we encourage people to nominate worthy recipients each year. If you know of a professional working in any aspect of horticulture who you believe should be rewarded for their work, then please do nominate them. Equally, if you know of a domestic gardener, or group who have gone above and beyond to improve their gardening club, community, village, town, or city, then nominate them for one of our awards.” said President Normand. “We look forward to seeing the great work continue across the country and to thanking those who give so much to the local and national environment.”
Look out for nomination forms for this year's awards in autumn time when you can nominate those you feel most deserving of recognition in Scottish gardening and horticulture.
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.
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.