A FRUITFUL partnership between gardeners in West Linton and a national charity was marked last week with the planting of an apple tree.

For 25 years, gardens in and around the village have been opening each season as part of the fundraising Scotland's Gardens Scheme.

And the silver anniversary was marked by planting of the tree on land close to the children's playground.

A plaque which was presented to West Linton supporters John Bracken and Rose Parrott at the charity's AGM has been placed next to the tree.

This Sunday marks the pening of Scotland's Gardens Scheme in West Linton.

A spokeswoman for Scotland's Garden Scheme told us: "John has been busy getting his garden ready for showing as well as the owners of four other village gardens.

"Among them is the garden belonging to John Irvine who has been involved since the start and whose beautiful cottage garden has featured on the Beechgrove Garden.

"This year the West Linton group has included a historical trail of the village which can be explored on foot whilst visiting the gardens, as well as the usual plant sale and teas served in the Graham Institute."

The West Linton Gardens are open from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday - entry is £5.

Next Wednesday will be the last chance to see the Potting Shed in Broughton for this year.

And Portmore at Eddleston will remain open on Wednesdays until the end of August.