Dr Neil’s Garden, Edinburgh

Situated in the Duddingston area overshadowed by the slopes of Arthur’s Seat is Dr Neil’s Gardens.  

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh the gardens are like an oasis. First founded in 1963 on the shores of Loch Duddingston by Doctor’s Nancy and Andrew Neil.

Due to the steep slopes of the land it was deemed unsuitable to sew crops, so the idea of the garden came about.  Part of the gardens have been made into a physic garden which highlighted the doctor’s interest in horticulture and medicine. Both Nancy and Andrew would encourage their patients to help with the gardening and to help with their mental health.

Over the years, some of the plant species have been gifted to the garden - including a bud of a Sequoia tree gifted by a friend over in California. There is also a large selection of magnolias, rhododendrons and heathers. 

The gardens are free to enter and if you’re in the area I recommend a visit to the Duddingston Kirk which is next door. 

Duddingston Loch

In the corner of the gardens and on the shores of the loch is Thomson’s Tower (inside the grounds of Dr Neil’s Garden).

This octagonal shaped building was home to the Duddingston Curling society and played a hugely important role in the history of Curling. In 1804, the rules of the game were set down and agreed upon and from then on shaped the game of curling across the world. The Duddingston curling society went on to become one of the most influential curling clubs during the 19th century. 

The tower was completed by the famous architect William Henry Playfair in 1825 so that the circling stones could be stored close to the water's edge. The tower was named after Reverend John Thompson who was minister of the nearby Duddingston Kirk. Thompson frequently used the upper tower as a painting studio. 

Over time the tower fell into disrepair and in 1978 the Duddingston Conservation society restored the tower. The tower is now a category B listed building.