BOSTON, MASS.- The National Trust for Scotland’s internationally-renowned Threave Garden and Estate has gained an inspiring new feature thanks to the generosity of American donors. The Garden of Contemplation will be formally dedicated on Saturday, December 22, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

The new space has been thoughtfully and carefully designed to provide a peaceful setting that evokes contemplation and reflection. It combines clever use of hard landscaping, planting, and sculptural features and was created as a result of the generous support of donors from The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, based in Boston, Massachusetts, and one of its Trustees, Victoria Cummock.

Victoria was inspired to support the project out of a love of Scotland that emerged from the most tragic of circumstances. Her husband John was one of the victims of the Lockerbie plane crash. For Victoria, the project represents an expression of gratitude for the extraordinary humanitarian efforts of thousands of Scottish citizens following the terrorist bombing.

Victoria will be joined by representatives of the local area, Lockerbie families, and the National Trust for Scotland to dedicate the garden.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Chairman, Sir Moir Lockhead OBE said: “Love is the strongest emotion of all, and the bond that Victoria has formed with Scotland in the aftermath of the most difficult of times is both moving and inspirational.

“This new garden provides the space to take time out of the endlessly busy present to meditate on past events, appreciate the natural environment of the present and practise mindfulness while wishing for a peaceful future. The ties between Scotland and the USA are unbreakable and we are enormously grateful to Victoria and our other friends in America for their profound generosity.”

Located not far from Lockerbie, Threave Garden & Estate features a Scottish Baronial-style house, miles of hiking trails, pristine woodlands, and a nature reserve on the River Dee. The garden itself is a beautiful designed landscape created and maintained by students from the National Trust for Scotland’s School of Heritage Gardening. It comprises several distinct sections, including a rose garden, rockery, and family-friendly Discovery Garden.