A SEARCH has been launched for Scotland’s best gardener with a £200 prize up for grabs.

Gardening Scotland is running the competition ahead of its annual festival, which is running from June 1-3 at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh.

It could be a a talented amateur grower or a teacher who has inspired pupils to love plants.

At stake is the title of Gardener of the Year 2018, along with £200 worth of gardening vouchers, courtesy of Caulders Garden Centres.

A Young Gardener of the Year award is also open to anyone under the age of 25, with another £200 prize.

Gardening Scotland is the national festival of gardening and outdoor living, bringing together nurseries and growers from all over the UK to stage the biggest plant fair in Scotland.

It takes place over three days from Friday, 1 June until Sunday, 3 June at the Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh and includes inspirational Show Gardens, talks, workshops and expert advice, as well as crafts, live music, a vibrant cookery theatre where top chefs will be showing new ways with seasonal produce and a Food Fayre, filled with gourmet delights.

Entrans should send their name, address and contact details, along with explanation of why you think they deserve to be gardener of the year, to: info@gardeningscotland.com.