ABOUT US
Our mission is to restore the 200 year old Over Rankeilour Walled Garden in order to share what it can offer with the local community. We aim to provide a safe and supportive therapeutic environment in which to support those in need, whether through age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantages.
Everyone is welcome and no previous gardening experience is necessary. We welcome volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life and also accept referrals from NHS organisations and third sector groups.
Our Team
Louise Crombie
Originally trained as a GP and now committed to improving health and wellbeing in the community, Louise set up the garden project alongside her friend Claire. With Claire she manages the garden’s floral business, all the proceeds of which go back into the garden project.
Claire Parkin
Originally from a farming family in Zimbabwe, Claire has been involved in this project from its very creation. She’s also a trained early years practitioner. She’s currently expanding her horticultural knowledge by working as an assistant at Cambo Gardens.
Carol Sidey
With nearly 10 years experience of working with volunteers in a garden setting and many years of gardening know-how accumulated beyond that, Carol joined the project in 2024 to help expand our volunteer activities. She’s an expert in all things veg and pretty much everything else besides!
Other Management Comittee Members
Peter Sinclair
A graduate of SAC Auchincruive in Horticulture, Peter has worked in therapeutic horticulture for over 30 years, specialising in adult mental health. He currently leads the work of the Flourish Therapeutic Gardening Service based at Stratheden Hospital as part of the Occupational Therapy Service. He is also a board member of Trellis, Scotland’s network for therapeutic gardening.
Aileen Robbie
A trained gardener and florist, Aileen brings knowledge of the floristry industry as well as her many years of experience as a gardener.
Dr Keith Taylor
Keith has worked as a doctor for nearly three decades. He is a local GP with an interest in mental health and the therapeutic benefits of nature. He is also an enthusiastic beekeeper and manages the resident honeybee colonies at the walled garden.