It gives me great pleasure to make the President’s Award to George Gilchrist FCIHort.
George has an outstanding career in horticulture, and has demonstrated an ability to inspire many young people to enter our industry.
He started his career with The National Trust for Scotland firstly as a Youth Trainee at Greenbank Garden before progressing onto Threave School of Horticulture.
George was afforded the opportunity to work and study at some of the world’s great gardens including the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and Kew, Longwood Gardens, Gothenburg Botanic Garden, Inverewe and Crathes.
The vast part of George’s career has been spent lecturing at Scotland’s Rural College formerly Oatridge College.
When I think of Scotland, George immediately springs to mind. He is patriotic, enthusiastic and passionate in all he does.
George has played a vital role within Scotland branch and has held numerous roles on the committee including vice chair, chair and is at present branch representative to council.
George has been committed to supporting and pushing forward the CIH in Scotland, and, is the linchpin when it comes to the organisation of Grow Careers. His persuasive manner ensures that each year there is an impressive line -up of speakers to inspire young people. Pre-Covid the event has been fully booked with 250 young people attending.
One branch member noted that there isn’t anything that happens within the branch that George doesn’t have a hand in in some way. Organising events, sponsorship, meetings etc., he is very humble and doesn’t look for accolade.
As a member of council, George has been supportive of everything we do and I thank him for his commitment.
On a personal note it is a pleasure to work with George, and I would like him to accept this award from myself.
Susan Nicholas FCIHort
CIH President