Veterans Housing Scotland tenants are amongst the first participants of the newly launched Defence Gardens Scheme programme at Linburn Walled Gardens near Edinburgh.  

Linburn is the latest venue to join a nationwide network of gardens that host the bespoke and evidence-based DGS 10-week nature-based therapy programme for veterans, service leavers and their families.

The programme, in association with Cyrenians, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Scottish Veterans Wellbeing Alliance and Food Gardening, is a balanced blend of practical gardening skills with a focus on growing your own fruit and vegetables and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

The tenants had a taster session ahead of the programme beginning in April. 

Stephen Elliot, Acting CEO, Veterans Housing Scotland said: ‘It is well-known and understood that gardening helps our wellbeing generally.  We are delighted therefore to be the first partner of this DGS initiative in Edinburgh.  

Many of our tenants enjoy their garden and the opportunity to learn more and to grow their own produce while having fun together has been well received.’

Sally Coulthard MBE CF FRAS, DGS Founder and CEO added: ‘The Defence Gardens Scheme is delighted to be partnering with Cyrenians and Veterans Housing Scotland to launch our first garden in Scotland.

The Linburn Walled Garden is an accessible, safe and secure location for the delivery of nature based therapy for service leavers and veterans. We are indebted to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for their funding which runs through to Summer 2024′.