Dougal Philip to chair Scotland’s Garden Scheme
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Dougal Philip
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Liz Stewart
Scotland’s Garden Scheme, the charity which opens gardens around Scotland to raise funds for other charities, has announced changes to its key personnel.
Long standing Trustee and Chairman for the past five years, David Mitchell, has stepped down after 18 years with the charity having reached the end of his term, with Dougal Philip taking his place as Chairman from April.
Dougal Philip
A graduate of St Andrews University, Dougal began working as a landscape gardener before starting a garden centre, a business he has been in for over 40 years, New Hopetoun Gardens in West Lothian.
A past president of the Horticultural Trades Association, a Vice President of the Royal Horticultural Society, a past chair of Perennial and now one of their Vice Presidents he has much experience of running charities. Married to Lesley Watson, a past presenter of The Beechgrove Garden, they are both very keen gardeners and love visiting other gardens.
“Chairing the trustees of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme will be an honour and a treat to be able to explore so many wonderful gardens across Scotland and meet so many passionate gardeners. Being able to use garden openings to raise funds for so many different charities is such a wonderful thing.” said Dougal.
New chief executive
In another change for the charity, Liz Stewart has been promoted from her role as National Organiser of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, to become Chief Executive from April.
David Mitchell will continue his excellent work in supporting Scottish horticulture, in his role as Vice Chairman of the National Trust for Scotland, where his main focus is on the Trust’s extensive portfolio of gardens.