FRIENDS of Geilston launched the 2019 calendar for the scenic garden with a gathering of the winners of its photographic competition, at the National Trust for Scotland property in Cardross.

Photographic expert and judge, Lesley Roberts, praised the winning photographers for their efforts in capturing the garden in all its different moods throughout the year, from the first signs of spring, to the colour in the autumn and the wonderful shapes of the trees in winter.

The competition attracted entries from throughout the west of Scotland and it is hoped that the calendar will further raise awareness of this "under publicised gem”, as the landscape was described by one of the winners.

The NTS has invited the Friends of Geilston to work with the trust in undertaking an economic assessment to establish a sustainable future for the property.

This builds on the ideas put forward by the Friends and seeks to find ways in which the currently vacant house can make a contribution towards the running costs of the garden as well as considering other initiatives to attract visitors.

Submissions are currently being received from consultants with a view to making an appointment in November to carry out the study.

The NTS has indicated that, in the current circumstances, there are no proposals to close the garden.

Friends vice chairperson, Mike Thornley, said: “If the NTS is committed to work with the Friends to ensure the future of the garden then the economic assessment is to be welcomed.

"This is all about being prepared to change minds and find solutions rather than closing an outstandingly beautiful garden, so well illustrated by all the photographers who contributed to the calendar.”

Details of where the calendars can be purchased are on the Friends of Geilston website.