• Art Exhibition 8-15th May
  "Gardens" is the theme of this exhibition to which fifteen artists have been invited to contribute. Framed works will be hung in the upper room of Thomson's Tower, once the painting studio of Rev. John Thomson of Duddingston. The works will be for sale, a proportion of the sale price going towards the maintenance of the building. The exhibition will be open from 14:00-17:00 each day inclusive. There is no charge for admission.
• Silent Auction 18th May
  Held in Duddingston Kirk Hall in Duddingston Village 19:30 to 20:30. Admission is £2 which includes refreshments. Bid for watches, jewellery, golf clubs etc. Payment by cash or cheque only.
  
  Proceeds will be divided between Dr Neil's Garden Trust and Ajingare School in Nepal.
• Special weekends
  The garden will be open to the public from 14:00 to 17:00. Entry is £3.50 for adults and free for children under 16. There will be the opportunity to buy plants from our own nursery. Guided tours throughout the afternoon and the historic Thomson's Tower will be open (at a further charge of £2 per adult). Afternoon tea with home baking is available in the Kirk Hall
  
  These 'Special Weekends' are hosted by various charities the garden has supported over many years, and a percentage of the takings on the day go to the charity.
  22-23rd May - In aid of Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre
  19-20th June - In aid of Dr Neil's Garden Trust
  31st July-1st August - In conjunction with Scotland's Garden scheme
  
• Thomson's Tower
  We intend to be open Saturday and Sunday afternoons in June, July and August. For enquiries (or to volunteer) phone 07849 187 995
• Concert - The Garden in Winter
  5th December in Duddingston Kirk
• Christmas Wreath Making
  A repeat of the successful event from 2009 on Sunday 12th December 2010 14:00 to 17:00
In aid of Dr. Neils Garden in the Kirk Hall, Duddingston Village. The cost is £15 including tea/coffee. To book a place, please telephone Susan Mercer on 0131 661 2931.

There is something for everyone to enjoy on these days within the Garden, whether it be a quiet area to contemplate, or a pleasant walk for the family.

Thanks to grants from The Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland, Thomson's Tower, which snuggles in the corner of the garden on the shores of Duddingston Loch has been completely restored

After eighteen months of building work, the renovated Thomson's Tower was officially opened on Friday 31st July by Robin Aitken. Robin, a member of the Men's Senior World Champion Team who won Gold for Scotland in Canada in 2007, has long been a supporter and friend of the Garden and the Tower in particular, and was joined on the day by his fellow team mates.

The weather stayed dry and sunny long enough for guests to enjoy mingling in the garden during the reception and, thankfully for the opening speeches by Jim Baird the Chairman of the Trust, Nigel Neil, the son of Andrew and Nancy Neil and now our Hon President, and of course Robin's ribbon cutting.

Prior to the official opening, the Tower had been open to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoons during July, and this was continued throughout August. The overall reception of the newly refurbished building and museum of curling, during this period, has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic by everyone who has visited.

In 2010 we intend to open the Tower for much longer periods of time during the summer months, and to this end we will be looking for more volunteers to act as guides !!! Anyone interested in helping should contact Barbara Anderson on 0131 661 7444.

Nigel Neil received a plaque at the recent AGM of Scotland's Garden Scheme on 22nd March.