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.

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.

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!

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 

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!

Baby Sensory is an award winning, multi-sensory development programme designed for babies from 0 to 13 months. 

Come and join us in our magical world of sensory, learning, wonder and exploration. 

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.

Baby Sensory is an award winning, multi-sensory development programme designed for babies from 0 to 13 months. 

Come and join us in our magical world of sensory, learning, wonder and exploration. 

FRIENDSHIP and FUN ( every Friday 2-4pm at the Gillespie Centre)

WHAT IS IT?

A weekly class on FRIDAYS where participants get together for fun activities, music, dance, arts and crafts, then tea and cake and a chance to chat and sing. Every week the theme changes so there will always be something to appeal.

WHO CAN COME?

All ages are welcome but with extra provision for people who are experiencing health challenges in their lives – dementia, chronic conditions, mental health conditions, bereavement or living within difficult social situations

WHERE IS IT?

First half of class (Activity) is held in back hall of the Gillespie Centre, Biggar and then we move to café area for Tea & Cake and finish with singing

GOOD TO KNOW:  Classes are run by professional therapists and experienced volunteers.  We do not charge as we have been fortunate in obtaining a grant from Scottish Government, but we do accept donations to help provide even more fun! 

If you need transport to help you attend, please call us and we can arrange for a lift.

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 Show: Saturday July 19th 2025 – “The Best One Day Show in Scotland”

It’s all going on at the Biggar Show on the 19th of July as the show field will be bursting with Livestock, Poultry and Equine Classes, Ladies Industrial Section, Craft Marquee, Highland Dancing, Dog Show, Food Fair, Trade Stands, Fun Fair, Children’s Entertainment and main ring attractions!

The show is a great value family day out at £10 per adult, £5 per concession and children go FREE! Parking at the Showfield is also FREE and there is a FREE courtesy bus running out of Biggar High Street from 10am; so come along and reconnect with the countryside!

The schedule is available on the website and entries should be submitted before 14th July using this link

https://biggarfarmersclub.org.uk/forms

🎪 Look forward to seeing you all on the day🎪

🐄 🐑 🐎 🐕 🐓🚜 🚗 🍔 🌭 🍰🍭 ☕️🍺 🍷 💃

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.

Biggar Community Council generally meets on the third Monday of each Month.
The meetings take place at 7pm in Biggar Library Meeting Room.
​For more details click HERE.

All members of the public are very welcome to attend and ask questions. If possible questions should be submitted in advance to allow community councillors to investigate the issues raised.

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!

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 

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!

A talk by Little Sparta Head Gardener George Gilliland. The talk will be a guide to the garden and the various themes encountered in the artworks there. The talk is in conjunction with the exhibition  held at the museum commemorating 100 years sinece the birth of Ian Hamilton  Finlay. ‘Images from the Arcadian Dream Garden ‘ runs until 28th September.

Baby Sensory is an award winning, multi-sensory development programme designed for babies from 0 to 13 months. 

Come and join us in our magical world of sensory, learning, wonder and exploration. 

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.

Baby Sensory is an award winning, multi-sensory development programme designed for babies from 0 to 13 months. 

Come and join us in our magical world of sensory, learning, wonder and exploration. 

FRIENDSHIP and FUN ( every Friday 2-4pm at the Gillespie Centre)

WHAT IS IT?

A weekly class on FRIDAYS where participants get together for fun activities, music, dance, arts and crafts, then tea and cake and a chance to chat and sing. Every week the theme changes so there will always be something to appeal.

WHO CAN COME?

All ages are welcome but with extra provision for people who are experiencing health challenges in their lives – dementia, chronic conditions, mental health conditions, bereavement or living within difficult social situations

WHERE IS IT?

First half of class (Activity) is held in back hall of the Gillespie Centre, Biggar and then we move to café area for Tea & Cake and finish with singing

GOOD TO KNOW:  Classes are run by professional therapists and experienced volunteers.  We do not charge as we have been fortunate in obtaining a grant from Scottish Government, but we do accept donations to help provide even more fun! 

If you need transport to help you attend, please call us and we can arrange for a lift.

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

Set amongst 8 acres, the gardens have been transformed since 2019 from pastureland to a landscape of woodlands, wildlife habitats, formal gardens and recently, a prairie-inspired garden. A restored watermill building and lade runs through the whole area, creating a meditative backdrop to the matrix and drift planting schemes surrounding them.

Directions: From the A73 turn off at Tinto Hill into the village of Thankerton and follow the SGS signs. Buses 31 and 91 run to Thankerton village.

£5 entry, children free

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.

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.

EXPLORING DEATH LOSS & CHANGE : 

A monthly Grief Café – last Monday of every Month, 3-4.30pm.  This is a supportive space to meet others who are experiencing loss. You may wish to talk, listen or just be in a safe space with your feelings. 

Contact Iona Goldie for more info 0771 432 4978

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!

To book email southlanarkshire.branch@nas.org.uk

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 

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!

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.

Baby Sensory is an award winning, multi-sensory development programme designed for babies from 0 to 13 months. 

Come and join us in our magical world of sensory, learning, wonder and exploration. 

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.

Baby Sensory is an award winning, multi-sensory development programme designed for babies from 0 to 13 months. 

Come and join us in our magical world of sensory, learning, wonder and exploration. 

FRIENDSHIP and FUN ( every Friday 2-4pm at the Gillespie Centre)

WHAT IS IT?

A weekly class on FRIDAYS where participants get together for fun activities, music, dance, arts and crafts, then tea and cake and a chance to chat and sing. Every week the theme changes so there will always be something to appeal.

WHO CAN COME?

All ages are welcome but with extra provision for people who are experiencing health challenges in their lives – dementia, chronic conditions, mental health conditions, bereavement or living within difficult social situations

WHERE IS IT?

First half of class (Activity) is held in back hall of the Gillespie Centre, Biggar and then we move to café area for Tea & Cake and finish with singing

GOOD TO KNOW:  Classes are run by professional therapists and experienced volunteers.  We do not charge as we have been fortunate in obtaining a grant from Scottish Government, but we do accept donations to help provide even more fun! 

If you need transport to help you attend, please call us and we can arrange for a lift.

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

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.

Hi everyone and especially to all Armed Forces & Veterans there is a Breakfast Club the first Tuesday of every month in 

Aroma Coffee Shop

High Street

Biggar

From 10.00 until 12.00 noon 

Please come along and bring all your forces friends 

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!

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 

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!

Baby Sensory is an award winning, multi-sensory development programme designed for babies from 0 to 13 months. 

Come and join us in our magical world of sensory, learning, wonder and exploration. 

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.

Baby Sensory is an award winning, multi-sensory development programme designed for babies from 0 to 13 months. 

Come and join us in our magical world of sensory, learning, wonder and exploration.