Christine Grahame MSP fulfils the HTA pledge and plants a Dobbies tree for her community
23 June 2023
Following a recent Scottish Parliamentary event hosted by Christine Grahame MSP, and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) to discuss the Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy for Scotland, many MSPs have pledged to plant a tree in their community. The initiative is kindly sponsored by members of the HTA.
Dobbies Midlothian Garden Centre is one of the members supporting this good cause, and they received a visit from Christine Grahame MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, to accept a magnolia tree, which has now been planted in the garden at Broomhill Day Centre in Penicuik.
Christine Grahame, who is the local MSP and Deputy Convener of the Gardening and Horticulture Cross Party Group in Holyrood, commented:
“I am pleased to support the Environmental Horticulture Strategy for Scotland and this worthy tree-planting cause organised by the HTA. I would like to thank the team at Dobbies Midlothian for sponsoring the tree I picked. We have now planted it in the garden at Broomhill Day Centre for the Centre users and staff to enjoy.
“I have worked closely with the HTA and colleagues in Parliament to support the gardening industry in Scotland. I am passionate about promoting the great health benefits and enjoyment gardening offers to millions of Scots.”
Stan Green, Director of the HTA’s Scotland Policy Board and Managing Director of Growforth nursery, said:
“What better way to mark further cooperation with the Scottish Parliament and the understanding of the huge benefits of environmental horticulture? Planting a tree for those to enjoy in the future. Thank you to Dobbies for the donation and Christine for the unwavering support of our industry with the health and wellbeing benefits that she feels so passionately about.”
Horticulture and landscaping supported contributions of £2.8bn towards GDP and over 64,000 jobs in Scotland in 2019. This has the potential to rise significantly by 2030.
The HTA has been working closely with MSPs and the Scottish Government to produce the Growth strategy, which has seven key ambitions for Scotland:
- Health – to create a healthier Scotland through horticulture
- Economy – Develop green economic growth, high-quality jobs, and invest in education/skills
- Environment – to mitigate climate change
- Local – Increase the use of Scottish and UK-grown plants as import substitution
- Industry – Drive Scottish growth through investment, development grants and reducing the cost of doing business
- Urban Nature – Produce a greener planning system
- Biosecurity – enhance and protect Scotland’s natural capital.
