Gardening Leave had the pleasure of welcoming The 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment on a two day working visit to Auchincruive.  The team consisting of Lt Paddy Pratt and 9 Rangers  volunteered their time to take on some tasks that have been essential to help get the Stovehouse up and running.

The tasks were set out by our Stovehouse Supervisor Hugh ‘Stevie’ McAulay, who got the Rangers to dig out approximately 16 tons of earth from section 1 in the Stovehouse (8″ deep by 14m x 5m).  The removal of the earth will enable concrete to be laid as this section of the Stovehouse will be used as  a workshop area for veterans attending Gardening Leave in the future.  The second task assigned to them was to assist with clearing the pond that is currently being renovated by Gardening Leave veterans, volunteers and staff.  The renovations are kindly being sponsored by Poppyscotland.   This was a great opportunity for the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment to work alongside our veterans and vice-versa which both greatly appreciated.

Check out the slideshow of the two days

Gardening Leave wishes to thank The 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment for their support and time they have given to us for the two days they were here.  We wish them all the best in future operations.