TWO county flower shows return this weekend for very special events.

Gifford’s annual flower show returns for a very special anniversary this weekend.

The event is one of the longest running flower shows in Scotland, and one of the country’s few remaining two-day shows.

Established in 1848 to encourage excellence in gardening through competition, Gifford Horticultural Society continues to thrive today.

The society prides itself on welcoming first-time entrants alongside experienced show veterans, with a range of flower, vegetable and produce classes that reflect its horticultural heritage, while providing something for everyone to enter.

There are also plenty of fun categories for children, as well as categories for keen crafters, knitters, photographers, artists, bakers, jam makers, flower arrangers and producers of eggs and honey.

Roger Wilson, Gifford Horticultural Society president, said: “We’re delighted to invite people from Gifford and surrounding areas to help us celebrate 175 years of our society.

“Whether you’re an expert or complete beginner, it’s great fun to enter your creations, and we hope people will join in and help us make this a flower show to remember.”

As well as the competitive elements, the flower show will also feature the popular plant sale, tombola and craft stalls, so there will be plenty that is of interest, in addition to the wonderful exhibits.

Afternoon teas will be on sale in the village hall on both days, provided by the horticultural society on the Saturday and by the Community Woodlands Association on the Sunday, all raising funds for charity.

The annual, popular Scarecrow Trail began last Saturday and will run until this Sunday.

For full details of all classes and to download the show programme, see the Gifford Horticultural Society website at www.giffordhorti.org/flower show2023

Entrants can hand in exhibits from 1pm until 8pm tomorrow (Friday) or from 7am until 9.45am on Saturday.

The show is open to the public from 1pm until 6pm on Saturday, and on Sunday from 11am with prize giving at 3.30pm.

Oldhamstocks Horticultural Society’s annual show also returns on Saturday. The show will feature a dog show, raffle and sheep show, as well as an auction and children’s sports. Refreshments will be on offer during the day, with the prizegiving and presentations taking place at 1.30pm. Admission is £1 for adults and 50p for children. A full schedule is on the Oldhamstocks Flower Show Facebook page.