Garry Wilson, who has been part of the Helix team for almost a decade, was recognised for his exceptional contribution to maintaining and enhancing one of Scotland’s most iconic parks - home of The Kelpies.

Garry started his career at the Helix as a cleaner and seasonal gardener before becoming a full-time gardener responsible for grass cutting, hedge and tree maintenance, wildflower care and seasonal planting. He also plays a key role in winter operations, including leaf clearance and managing ice and snow.

Garry gained a BA Hons in Fine Art from University of Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, and his fine arts background has helped him bring artistic vision into practical park improvements. His projects are often created entirely from reused natural materials found in the park have become popular talking points for visitors and support the park’s Green Tourism Gold award.

Some of his standout creations include:

• Silent Night:  An owl-shaped log installation that doubles as a bug hotel, created from wood originally destined for chipping.
• Stone Hedge: Sandstone from a former farmhouse re-used to subtly prevent verge parking.
• Compass Cairn:  A two-metre cairn incorporating quartz compass points, now a favourite talking point with tourists.
• Living Dead Hedge: A wildlife-friendly habitat made from oak posts and felled wood, providing a natural frame for climbing plants.

 Each addition enhances areas passed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, while keeping costs low by using in-house skills and recycled materials.