The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society has named horticulturist and garden designer Lewis Normand as its new president.

The appointment was announced at the society’s 214th AGM and awards ceremony and comes following the retirement of Colin Ainsworth.

Normand, who works as sales manager at Bernhard’s Nurseries, will lead the society into its 200th year of Royal Chartership in 2024.

Normand said, “Taking over responsibility for anything with the history, reputation and significance of The Caley is always daunting. It is humbling and a huge honour to be trusted to deliver here.

“I have been a council member for the charity for a couple of years now and have seen how we support both professionals working in the landscape industry and domestic gardeners alike across Scotland. It is a very special organisation to be a part of, with a long story to tell. I am particularly keen to see our educational provision developed further. We already do a lot for learners who are often ill-suited to mainstream education, and I believe we can expand on this, offering more courses to a wider range of learners.

He added, “I will be reaching out to individuals and companies to partner the Caley in meeting our objective to be wide-reaching, diverse and productive in furthering Scottish Gardening and Horticulture.”