VISITORS can take the opportunity to wander around the Japanese Garden at Cowden after it re-opened to the public.

People can now experience the unique setting in Clackmannanshire, which can be found a mile from Dollar Academy, following a long-term restoration project.

The garden has been closed to the public for more than 50 years, after a spate of vandalism sadly destroyed many of its features.

However, the gates were thrown open once again on Friday, July 6, and the weekend proved busy with people keen to explore the grounds.

Tom McCappin, project manager, said: "All the feedback so far has been really positive. Lots of people were asking what the plans are for the future, how we are going to develop it.

"I would encourage people to come along and see it for themselves – we are open every Wednesday to Sunday from now right until the end of October."

The garden was first established in 1908 by Ella Christie of Cowden Castle, before it was handed over to her great nephew Robert Stewart.

It was created by Taki Handa, the first and only Japanese woman to be accredited with designing a garden of that nature.

The garden was once described as the "most important Japanese Garden in the Western world" by Professor Jijo Suzuki, 18th hereditary head of the Soami School of Imperial Garden Design, Japan, 1925.

However, vandalism in 1963 saw the tea houses and bridges burned, lanterns and shrines knocked into the water, ripping it apart.

It was taken on by Robert’s daughter, Sara Stewart, in 2008 and she decided to bring it back to its former glory.

Although the project is not fully complete, trustees have decided to open the garden this year and restoration work will be ongoing.

Along with the garden there is a woodland walk, which will be expanded further down the line, and there are some temporary portacabins on site for toilets, a ticket office and cafe.

While visiting there is the opportunity to pick up some homemade refreshments, like cakes, scones and soup.

Opening times are Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-5pm, with last admissions at 4.15pm, and entry is via the entrance on the Upper Hillfoot Road.

For more, visit cowdengarden.com or search for the Japanese Garden Cowden on Facebook.