Tivoli Creates Special Remembrance Garden in Kilmarnock

Tivoli is proud to be part of the design and build team, appointed by client East Ayrshire Council, who transformed Holehouse Garden in Kilmarnock into a special garden of remembrance.  The garden, which was officially opened by Provost Jim Todd on Monday, 5^th November, commemorates those who gave their lives in World War 1.

The renovation works began with the Tivoli team shifting almost 200 tonnes of earth to create new levels; stripping out old stairs, walls and paths; and dismantling and rebuilding, by hand, the natural stone perimeter walls, utilising site-won materials.  Once the base of the garden had been established, new paths were created using natural stone slabs finished with granite sett edges; 900 square metres of turf was laid; and pink and white cherry trees and sensory planting introduced.

The finishing touches included the installation of a specially commissioned piece of artwork, displaying a themed poem by Scots national poet Jackie Kay, wrought iron commemorative benches and a World War 1 lectern.  The bespoke poem ‘Lines for Kilmarnock’ commemorates personal memories, local stories and histories of World War 1 and was written following creative writing and storytelling workshops with community members and pupils at Loanhead Primary School.

Provost Jim Todd who opened the garden said: ““The garden is a beautiful and fitting tribute to all those who gave their lives in World War I and to those who lost their loved ones. My thanks go to everyone who has worked on the garden from the design process through to the building and planting. Tivoli, the contractor, has done an incredible job on transforming the garden which has now been turned into the perfect place for reflection and relaxation. I hope people will come and enjoy the new surroundings, the artwork, the trees and all the wonderful features contained within it. It’s a tangible legacy that will be valued by the local community for generations to come.”

Christopher McLain, Chief Executive Officer, Tivoli said “we were absolutely delighted to be able to transform Holehouse Gardens into this special Garden of Remembrance for the community.   This project has been an opportunity for all of us to show our appreciation and to recognise the commitment and sacrifice our Service men and women made during the first world war.  The relationship that Tivoli has with East Ayrshire Council is very much a collaborative one, not only do we work with them on maintaining their estates, but we also work together to deliver community benefit projects across the district.  Working with our clients in this way means that we are able to help them make a direct impact on the efforts and aspirations of their communities.”