IT helped him recover from his ordeal after the horrors of the First World War.
Now the remarkable national daffodil collection planted in 1899 by Ian, the 24th Laird of Brodie, and then tended until his death in 1943 will be the centrepiece of a £2.8 million refurbishment of his ancestral seat in Moray.
The National Trust for Scotland has submitted a planning application to Moray Council to seek approval for changes that will radically transform the visitor experience at the historic Brodie Castle, near Forres.
It has been handed the investment as one of the Trust’s “priority properties”, which collectively will attract tens, if not hundreds, of thousands more visitors and widen support for Scotland’s heritage.
Inspiration has been drawn from the story of the castle as well as the Brodie family history with a new family garden experience which will also host Ian Brodie’s remarkable National Daffodil Collection.
If planning permission is granted, work will commence to ensure the new features are open to the public next year.
The National Trust for Scotland’s chief executive, Simon Skinner said: “We are creating nothing less than one of Scotland’s most significant heritage attractions in the heart of Morayshire.
“Brodie castle is packed with historical and architectural importance, and we are building upon its colourful story to create features that will offer a fantastic visitor experience.” Families will come away having learned a great deal about Brodie but will also have fun in doing so.“We expect Brodie Castle and its Garden of Playfulness to be a great boost for the local economy, attracting many more visitors and offering the regional community a wonderful place to enjoy on their doorstep.”
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