We were incredibly saddened to learn about the death of our dear friend Linda Garcia (writes GILLEAN PATERSON, Chair of Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden)
Linda was one of the founder members of the campaign to save the Walled Garden back in 2013. She played a crucial role with her knowledge of Granton and the various local organisations in which she was active.
She was always determined, cheerful and very well informed despite all the setbacks we faced over the 4 years it took to come to an agreement with Edinburgh Council, whereby the Friends group would officially look after the garden.
She brandished petitions, approached shoppers in Morrisons and passersby on the waterfront path, lobbied the council and always brought along snacks and drinks to our regular meetings.
Once we were in the garden Linda played a crucial role as a volunteer gardener and trustee. She always had wise counsel regarding how we planned to involve the community in the Walled Garden project, particularly older and isolated local residents.
She was also up to the minute with other great ideas such as getting funding for outdoor exercise equipment and vertical wind turbine generators.
She also enjoyed the practical side of rescuing the garden from wilderness and managed to be elegantly dressed even when pulling up endless weeds.
Gillean Paterson (Chair of Granton Castle Walled Garden)