Tree Planting

Tree Planting

April 2025

As part of the Glasgow 850th Anniversary celebrations, and with huge thanks to Deacon of the Gardeners, Stephen Docherty who is also a Councillor at Glasgow City Council, the Deacon Convener, and Collector of the House of The Trades House of Glasgow, plus a handful of Deacons and consorts, planted pear trees on an 'unloved' piece of land at Glasgow Cathedral.

Both Deacon Judy Tayler-Smith, BA PGDip FSAScot and Consort Simon Tayler-Smith planted a pear tree each on behalf of the Wrights on a wet and cold Saturday afternoon. Fourteen pear trees in total were planted with most of the hard work being done by Deacon Stephen himself and his young assistant Reece. However, Deacon Convener Richard Paterson OBE, his wife Pauline and others did a huge amount of work helping to plant the five remaining trees as not all the Deacons were able to make the two planting dates.

The story behind the pear trees is due to the fact that the magnificent Trades Hall (our home) designed by Robert Adam, was built over a pear orchard. In fact  The Incorporation of Wrights in Glasgow and the Incorporation of Masons still have events featuring pears. At the Wrights AGM, pears and white heather packaged in cellophane and ribbon are given to all attendees. It was wonderful therefore for Deacon Judy to give the pear trees back to Glasgow in Glasgow's historic 850th year.

Also, while there, some of the group did a bit of grave tidying, after discovering hidden grave slabs when trying to plant the trees. It was quite satisfying clearing away thick moss from gravestones that had been completely invisible for many years.

Following the planting and clearing up session, Deacon Convener Richard Paterson kindly took the cold and hungry gardeners out for hot coffee and delicious cakes in a café near the Royal Infirmary. It was a wonderful day, despite being wet, and a great way for the Wrights to mark hashtag#Glasgow850.