TWO Tweeddale venues are to take part in this year's Scottish Rhododendron Festival.

Dawyck Botanic Gardens and Cringletie House Hotel will both open their gates to raise money for a range of charities.

The festival, which is now in its fourth year, will run from April 1 to May 31 and is organised by tourism group Discover Scottish Gardens and supported by VisitScotland.

It aims to encourage locals to enjoy the outdoors during the rhododendron flowering period.

And both Dawyck and Cringletie will be hosting a number of events and 'Rhodo walks' for families.

Graham Stewart, curator at Dawyck said: "Despite the challenging weather we recently experienced here in the Scottish Borders, we are now looking forward to the onset of spring.

"With this seasonal change we will once again marvel in the wonderful hues of colour of our hardy rhododendrons.

"Across the region, we will be immersed in their vibrancy from now until the end of May."

Paula Ward, from VisitScotland added: "We’re delighted that the Rhododendron Festival is continuing to grow, with these beautiful public gardens in the Scottish Borders sharing their passion for these beautiful flowers.

"The region’s wonderful scenery and landscapes remain as popular as ever with visitors. Now is the perfect time of year to get out and about to explore our great outdoors, and what better way than to visit the many stunning gardens and estates to see the rhododendrons in bloom."

For more information and events listings, visit: http://discoverscottishgardens.org/events