Brighter Bothwell is a self-funding, voluntary group that was formed over 5 years ago to help with horticultural issues in the village and consists of 10 committee members and 30 volunteers. They have plans to repave the gardens and develop the access ramp, allowing for better disabled access, along with new planting new shrubs and flowers. Morag Smith from Brighter Bothwell told The HUB; 'we felt that the gardens were in much need of repair. It had been left untouched for a long period of time and somebody needed to do something about it'. She continued; 'Brighter Bothwell enters the Beautiful Scotland competition every year and it was clear that something had to be done about Gilchrist gardens'. It is anticipated that the work will cost in the region of £100,000, some £30,000 more than the original estimates made back in the summer. Gilchrist Gardens is an integral part of the community and has historic values attached to it. Marion Gilchrist was born in Bothwell Park in 1864 and went on to study Medicine at Glasgow University in 1890 however, at that time the university did not examine women students in medicine. It wasn't until 1892 that the women would be examined in medicine. Marion Gilchrist graduated from Glasgow University with High Commendation in 1894 and spent most of her career as an eye specialist. She died on September 7th 1952 aged 88 at her home in Glasgow. Brighter Bothwell would like to remind everyone about the historic values associated with Gilchrist Gardens, which is one of the reasons they are proposing to develop the gardens. South Lanarkshire Council have been quite active in the process by donating their architects to help create the plans and through helping in kind. Morag commented; 'we need to promote what we are planning to do and to let everyone in the village know what is happening. Without the help and support from local residents Brighter Bothwell could not achieve our plans. Gilchrist Gardens is a very important part of the community'. There is a variety of good news stories around in the village just now, and this is just another example of how a group of likeminded individuals with a common goal - to make our community better - can achieve remarkable results. That said, to make it all come together, Brighter Bothwell does require funding. All money has to be raised by their own efforts as they receive very little external funding despite applying to various grant funding bodies. There are fund raising events held regularly so please keep an eye out for one near you soon. If you or your organisation would like to show support to Brighter Bothwell, please contact us at The HUB HQ for further information. | 
