The gardens - presently closed while new aluminium greenhouses are installed, at a cost of around £500,000, by the Cambridge Glasshouse Company, replacing the previous rotting wooden structures - will now also have full disabled access provided, along with new workbench units for the nursery.

The grant came from the European Commission's ISLA project, part of the Europe-wide INTERREG programme, which aims to develop both natural and cultural heritage projects.

Local councillor Len Scoullar, whose Bute South ward takes in Ardencraig, said: "I'm delighted to hear news of this funding award - the money will ensure that we are able to provide first class disabled access and renew the gardens' equipment at the same time as the refurbishment of the greenhouses is taking place.

"It means that when the work is completed we will once again have a first class tourist attraction for Bute at Ardencraig."

(This story first appeared in the November 24, 2006 issue of The Buteman.)