Centenary Exhibition at Biggar Museum Celebrates
Visionary Artist Ian Hamilton Finlay

IMAGES FROM THE ARCADIAN DREAM GARDEN
Ian Hamilton Finlay
05 July – 28 September 2025
Biggar & Upper Clydesdale Museum

Biggar Museum is proud to present Images from the
Arcadian Dream Garden, a centenary exhibition honouring the life and work
of internationally acclaimed artist, poet, and landscape designer Ian
Hamilton Finlay (1925–2006). Opening on 28 June 2025, the exhibition
coincides with what would have been Finlay’s 100th birthday and forms part of a
wider series of commemorative events taking place across the UK and Europe.

Finlay is best known for Little Sparta, the
celebrated garden he created with his wife, Sue Finlay, at their home in the
Pentland Hills, just ten miles outside Biggar. Over four decades, he
transformed the exposed moorland site at Stonypath into a sculptural and poetic
landscape of international importance. Collaborating with stone carvers,
letterers, artists, and poets, Finlay embedded ideas in the land itself, drawing
on themes such as classical antiquity, maritime culture, the Second World War,
and the French Revolution. Each sculptural element is carefully sited within a
landscape of symbolic meaning, making the garden itself a total work of art.

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with
Finlay’s works in the town he called home. It brings together a selection of
printed and graphic works produced by Wild Hawthorn Press, the
pioneering publishing house he co-founded in 1961. These pieces reflect the Wild
Flower theme that runs through Finlay’s practice—his vision of the garden
as a place not only of beauty, but of philosophy, politics, and poetry.

“This exhibition offers a rare chance to see works that have
never been shown publicly before—pieces that deepen our understanding of
Finlay’s vision and his relationship with place. While Little Sparta remains
the heart of his legacy, Images from the Arcadian Dream Garden allows us
to celebrate that work beyond the boundaries of the garden and bring new
audiences into conversation with it.”, George Gilliland, Curator of the
Exhibition and Head Gardener at Little Sparta

The exhibition takes its name from a small publication of
Finlay’s writings in which he reimagines what a garden might be: a place of
reflection, symbolism, and transformation. Visitors are invited to explore the
artworks much like they might solve a cryptic crossword, each piece offering a
sequence of clues that unravel into elegant, thought-provoking truths.

In parallel with the exhibition, the community can
rediscover a significant work by Finlay in the heart of Biggar—a slate sundial
commissioned in 1970 for European Conservation Year. The playful inscription, AZURE
& SON ISLANDS Ltd OCEANS Inc., subtly critiques industrial growth and
invites reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

Guy Goodfellow, Chairman, Biggar Museum Trust  says “It’s a real joy for us to celebrate Ian
Hamilton Finlay here in Biggar, the place he called home for so many years. As
international galleries mark his centenary, we’re proud to offer a local
perspective—bringing new light to his work in the landscape that inspired it.
This exhibition is a chance for both our community and visitors to the museum
to connect with Finlay and understand how he expressed his ideas through his
extraordinary and original artform.”

Biggar & Upper Clydesdale Museum invites visitors, art
lovers, and curious minds to engage with the legacy of one of Scotland’s most
important and influential contemporary artists. Images from the Arcadian
Dream Garden runs from 05 July to 28 September 2025.

All works included in this exhibition are courtesy and
copyright of the Estate of Ian Hamilton Finlay.

‼  Biggar Sports Centre ‼

Join Lori on a Saturday morning at 9.30 😀

Classes can be booked online at www.sllcbooking.co.uk or by calling the sports centre on 01899 222066. 

All classes are included in the Health & Fitness Membership: https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/37/memberships/1526/health_and_fitness_16

Bookbug Sessions are for parents and babies aged 0-5 years. 

Free, friendly, fun sessions of songs, rhymes and stories for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families and carers to enjoy together. 

Each session lasts around 30 minutes its a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your little one, and meet other families. 

Please phone Biggar Library on 01899 222060 or email biggar@library.s-lanark.org.uk for any queries regarding these sessions. No booking required. 

‼  Biggar Sports Centre ‼

Join Lori on a Saturday morning 1030 – 1130 😀

Classes can be booked online at www.sllcbooking.co.uk or by calling the sports centre on 01899 222066. 

All classes are included in the Health & Fitness Membership: https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/37/memberships/1526/health_and_fitness_16

Digital, Design & Construction – Minecraft & Lego Club

(Minecraft – bring own handheld device with Minecraft downloaded) 

P1 – P7 11:00am – 12:00noon (£2.00 / free with ACE membership). 

Contact Biggar Library to book your session on 01899 222060 or email biggar@library.s-lanark.org.uk

Booking is essential

Our Club Runs

Weekly Sunday Spin

Meeting Point: Biggar Corn Exchange, 9:00/9.30 AM

The cycle routes are chosen each week depending on weather, participants etc but we aim to cycle for typically 3 to 5 hrs.  Details are published on our members Facebook page.

On the Sunday Spin (depending on numbers) there will be two groups; One normally goes on a longer route (45 – 60 miles) at an average pace of 15 to 16 mph.  The second group is more of a ‘social ride’ covering a shorter distance (25 – 40 miles) at an average pace of 13 – 15 mph.

We normally meet after the rides at the Kirkstyle Hotel for a coffee and cake so please remember to bring some money with you on the cycle.  We do encourage new members to be able to cycle at least 30 miles, but out on the rides we stay as a group and go at the pace of the slowest member.  Cycle Runs details and routes are posted on our Facebook page.  Cyclist under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the run.  If  you are new to the club please read the rider etiquette page for more info before attending a club run (in particular, cyclists must bring ID and next of kin contact details).

For full information goto our website here

Visit our Facebook page

Minis P1 – P3 training 10.00 – 11.00 am

Micros P4 – P7 training 10.00 – 11.15 am

Come along and enjoy an interesting guided tour of our extensive

puppetry collection from all over the world.

As seen in BBC’s ‘Antiques Road Trip’.

Meet some familiar faces:

Pelham Puppets, TV characters and a fairy godmother who is over 200 years old!

Hear about our recent appearance on BBC 1’s “The Repair Shop”.

You can also have a go at working some puppets.

Suitable age 6 and for adults

Everyone is welcome to join us for our worship gatherings. 

Sunday morning service in Biggar Kirk at 11.15am

Sunday morning service in Black Mount (Dolphinton) at 9.45am

Start your week strong with our circuit class for all abilities

Bookbug Sessions are for parents and babies aged 0-5 years.

Free, friendly, fun sessions of songs, rhymes and stories for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families and carers to enjoy together.

Each session lasts around 30 minutes its a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your little one, and meet other families.

Please phone Biggar Library on 01899 222060 or email biggar@library.s-lanark.org.uk for any queries regarding these sessions. No booking required.

Sessions: Monday 10:00am –10:30am, Friday 2.15pm – 2.45pm, Saturday 10.00am-10.30am.

Join our group of volunteers at Biggar Community Garden every Monday and Friday from 10am to 12 noon. 

No gardening experience necessary, lots of different tasks to do, tea coffee and biscuits provided.

Dru Yoga is a graceful and potent form of yoga, based on flowing movements, directed breathing and visualisation.

Suitable for all

For more information contact Norma Duncan at njdruyoga@hotmail.com

Storytelling, crafts and quests to help you along your summer Mythical Reading Journeys!

Ages 5 to 12 @ Biggar Library.

£2 per session or Free with ACE membership, Spaces are limited, please book by calling the library on 01899 222060 or emailing biggar@library.s-lanark.org.uk.

Cherry Dance Studios at the Gillespie centre

3:30-4:15   Hip Hop            4 yrs to Primary 4

4:15-5.00   Cheerleading     Primary 1 to Senior 1

5.00-5:45.  Hip Hop            Primary 5 plus

Book a class at Biggar Sports Centre HERE

Join a busy club of all levels of skill and experience to learn self-defence skills, have fun and improve fitness.

Younger juniors (Age 4+) 6pm – 6.45 pm

Juniors 6:45pm – 7:45pm

Seniors 7:45pm – 9:15pm

Body Conditioning with Lori .

6.30pm to 7.30pm, Monday evenings 

At Biggar Sports Centre.

Classes can be booked online at www.sllcbooking.co.uk or by calling the sports centre on     01899 222066.

All classes are included in the Health & Fitness Membership: https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/37/memberships/1526/health_and_fitness_16

Book a class at Biggar Sports Centre HERE

Boxercise classes are on Mondays 7pm-8pm at Broughton Village Hall

£5 per class, suitable for all fitness abilities,

Yvonne is a level 3 PT and can be contacted on 07795465052 👍🏻

Aerotone is a low – medium intensity class combining aerobics to increase energy levels and dumbbells to tone muscles.
Suitable for all Levels.

Biggar Babies and Toddlers meets every Tuesday and Thursday morning at the British Legion Hall, South Back Road.  

Always in term-time, sometimes in holidays, too!

Come meet other parents/carers from the local area, and let your child socialise with peers, too!

Tea/coffee/biscuits (and sometimes cake) provided for the adults and snack for the kids.

We often head off to The Gillespie Centre afterwards for lunch, and you’d be more than welcome to join us!

All under 5s and their parents/carers are more than welcome.  £2.50 per session or £1 for a child under 9 months.

Contact us at biggartoddlers@gmail.com or on 07817300242 (Emma) to find out more.  We look forward to meeting you!

New Tai Chi classes are starting on Tuesday 25th March, 2-3 St. Mary’s Hall. Anyone interested should contact me – Linda Hill, 07952 961408 or email traumascotland@gmail.com

group fitness for kids with a qualified championship boxer. A permission slip must be filled out by a parent prior to participation.

Taekwondo classes at Biggar Sports Centre

Tuesday
6-7pm Juniors
7-8pm Seniors

Thursday
5.15-6pm Juniors
6-7pm Seniors

‼  Biggar Sports Centre ‼

Join Lori on a Tuesday night, 1830-1915 . 😀

Classes can be booked online at www.sllcbooking.co.uk or by calling the sports centre on 01899 222066. 

All classes are included in the Health & Fitness Membership: https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/37/memberships/1526/health_and_fitness_16

Classes times are 7.00-8.00pm for Beginners & 8.00-9.30pm for Intermediate 

New Clubbercise class in the Legion Hall, Biggar

7:45 – 8:30pm

Full body workout with banging 80s and 90s anthems. Class is held in a darkened room with disco lights and LED glowsticks.

Please contact me via Facebook/Messenger to book.

www.facebook.com/Aileenwalkerfitness

Click here to book

Fun with Alex

Ballroom & Latin dance fitness, open to all.  Fun, no pressure dance for fitness classes:

⭐Tuesdays 7.30 – 8.30pm Gillespie Centre, Biggar

⭐Wednesdays 12.15 – 12.45pm Gillespie Centre, Biggar

⭐Wednesdays 7-8pm, West Linton Primary School 

⭐Thursdays 9.30 – 10.15am, Eastgate Theatre, Peebles

New members welcome!

Every Tuesday at St Mary’s Church Hall, North Back Road , Biggar at 7.30pm

FitSteps –  an energetic, up beat dance fitness class featuring all of your favourite strictly dances. Suitable for beginners and you don’t need a partner.  £6/class 

Please contact me via Facebook/Messenger to book.

www.facebook.com/Aileenwalkerfitness

Zumba Dance class Wednesday 10.00am at the Gillespie Centre.

It’s fun exercise, great music and you can go full whammy or keep the pace a little lower – up to you!

You don’t have to be especially fit, skinny (or willing to shoehorn yourself into lycra) to benefit from these classes! All that’s needed is an openness to different ways of working with the breath, body and mind. We explore mantra, philosophy, breathwork, meditation and mindful movement – finishing up with a deep relaxation or yoga nidra. The aim here is not to “nail poses”, but to find kind and supportive ways to ease into a connected relationship with your own body, spirit and mind. As a curious side effect, maybe you’ll become stronger, better balanced or more flexible along the way! Please bring your own mat, blanket and any pillows, cushions or eye bags you may need. These classes are run by South Lanarkshire Leisure. Places should be booked in advance via Biggar Sports Centre,  01899 222066 or via the web – see below for details.

Have you got your Summer Holiday pony morning place booked? 

Summer Holiday Pony mornings- come and have fun with the ponies – ride, groom cuddle all the things you would do if you had your own pony 2 hours with 1 hour riding – hats provided 

Pony morning dates for summer holidays :-

2nd July – 9th July – 16th July – 23rd July – 30th – 6th August and 13th August

Booking open.  Limited space on some dates, so get your place call 07917204933

Contact if you would like more information 

Joan Sheridan Equestrian

Booking essential.

Fun with Alex

Ballroom & Latin dance fitness, open to all.  Fun, no pressure dance for fitness classes:

⭐Tuesdays 7.30 – 8.30pm Gillespie Centre, Biggar

⭐Wednesdays 12.15 – 12.45pm Gillespie Centre, Biggar

⭐Wednesdays 7-8pm, West Linton Primary School 

⭐Thursdays 9.30 – 10.15am, Eastgate Theatre, Peebles

Chair yoga is an effective, supportive and inclusive practice for those with a wide range of health conditions. The practice takes place in a chair and there may be some standing work too, if appropriate.

Here’s what you will learn:

How to co-ordinate breath and gentle movement

How to improve flexibility and balance

Breathing techniques to support lung function

Ways to lower blood pressure, ease anxiety and mild depression

Reduce racing thoughts

In recognition of differing incomes and circumstances, you may choose to pay either £6, £8 or £10 per class. 

For further information, please email yogannie1@outlook.com or call 07769578527 for more information. 

A weekly one hour pilates class for beginner and intermediate.
If you would like to book a class or a session at Lindy’s studio for reformer or mat, contact Lindy at
pilateswithlindy@gmail.com

Weekly classes are

Wednesday 4pm – 5pm @ Skirling Hall

Thursday 6.30pm – 7.30pm @ Skirling Hall

Friday 9.30am – 10.30am @ Biggar Gillespie Centre

Seated exercise class to help strengthen and improve mobility

Couch to 5k in 8 weeks.  We go at your pace and your distance.  Meet at Crawfordjohn Community Hall Car Park every Wednesday @ 6.30 pm

Contact:    jogcrawfordjohn@hotmail.com    www.jogcrawfordjohn.co.uk

You don’t have to be especially fit, skinny (or willing to
shoehorn yourself into lycra) to benefit from these classes! All that’s needed
is an openness to different ways of working with the breath, body and mind. We
explore mantra, philosophy, breathwork, meditation and mindful movement – finishing
up with a deep relaxation or yoga nidra. The aim here is not to “nail poses”,
but to find kind and supportive ways to ease into a connected relationship with
your own body, spirit and mind. As a curious side effect, maybe you’ll become stronger,
better balanced or more flexible along the way!

Contact Anne via Facebook: www.facebook.com/withstillness or email: yogannie1@outlook.com for further information
and secure links to classes.

Biggar RBL Pipeband practice on a Wednesday evening from 6.30 pm – 8.30pm in the RBL Hall, South Back Road, Biggar. We are always on the lookout for new players / learners. If you want to learn then feel free to come along.