Visit mansion grounds and help charity

THE grounds of an exclusive 17th century mansion are being opened to the public in a charity money-spinner.

Proceeds from the open day – being held this Sunday at Tyninghame House, near Haddington in East Lothian – will be divided between a number of causes including the Edinburgh Cyrenians, an independent charity which aims to alleviate poverty and homelessness in the Capital, West Lothian and Falkirk.

Tyninghame House was formerly home to the Earls of Haddington but has now divided into privately-owned flats.

Among the attractions will be the herbaceous border, the rose garden, Lady Haddington's secret garden and the stunning Walled Garden with sculpture and yew hedges.

Also on show will be the wilderness spring garden, the Romanesque ruin of St Baldred's church and views to the Tyne Estuary and the Lammermuirs.

Geraldine Andrews, the Walled Garden's head gardener, said: "Visitors will be welcomed by a wide variety of unique and wonderful helebores, tulips, flowering shrubs and trees."

The gardens will be open between 1pm and 5pm on Sunday, 16 May. Admission is 4.