The Caley elected Lewis Normand to the role at its annual meeting.

Scotland’s national horticultural and gardening society has elected a new president at its 214th annual meeting. 

Members of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (The Caley) elected Lewis Normand to the position following the retiral of the previous president, Colin Ainsworth.

In a statement, the charity said: “The Caley are delighted to announce that professional horticulturist and garden designer Lewis Normand has been elected the new president of the charity. 

“As well as continuing to work for Bernhard’s Nurseries as sales manager, Lewis will now lead Scotland’s National Charity for Gardening and Horticulture as they head towards their 200th year of Royal Chartership in 2024.”

Following his election, Lewis said, ‘Taking over responsibility for anything with the history, reputation and significance of The Caley is always daunting. It is humbling and a huge honour to be trusted to deliver here.

“I have been a council member for the charity for a couple of years now and have seen how we support both professionals working in the landscape industry and domestic gardeners alike across Scotland.

"It is a very special organisation to be a part of, with a long story to tell. I am particularly keen to see our educational provision developed further. 

“We already do a lot for learners who are often ill-suited to mainstream education and I believe we can expand on this, offering more courses to a wider range of learners.

“I will be reaching out to individuals and companies to partner The Caley in meeting our objective to be wide reaching, diverse and productive in furthering Scottish Gardening and Horticulture.”