Beechgrove Garden looking for new head gardener who is 'willing to appear in front of camera'

Beechgrove Garden is looking for someone to take on the role of head gardener, and anyone with a passion for gardening can apply.

Located just a few miles west of Aberdeen in Westhill, the garden is the setting for the popular BBC Scotland series. Filming has taken place at the current Beechgrove Garden since the mid-1990s, with episodes filmed on a weekly basis and running for 26 programmes from spring until autumn.

Fans were left saddened after the passing of beloved presenter Jim McColl last month aged 89, with tributes pouring in for one of the north-east's most popular TV personalities.

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The head gardener position is available on a full-time and permanent basis, subject to Beechgrove Garden contract renewal with BBC Scotland, with a flexible approach necessary.

The job description states: "As Head Gardener, you will be responsible for a broad range of horticultural operations and all day-to-day operations within the garden. You will also be expected to play a part in its ongoing development, along with the production team and the presenters.

"You will be required to maintain all perennial planting, hard landscaping and garden structures and produce annual displays, vegetable crops and greenhouse plants as required, to service programme needs. Programmed developments must be costed and only when budget approval is given can they proceed.

"A high standard of horticulture (both ornamental and produce experience) and garden management is essential. On occasion, costing and contracting sub-contractor jobs may be required.

"The site is a 'Green Studio.' In other words, it is ordinarily only seen on television and the viewer only sees what the camera allows. That said, a great deal of use is made of panoramic shots over the garden and therefore the garden must be maintained to a high standard at all times.

"An essential part of the entire process is the need to communicate and therefore you will be expected to play a part in meetings and discussions on site with the production team and programme presenters. The two-way flow of information and the need for teamwork is paramount for the success of the programme, which is the prime objective.

"Due to the nature of the garden, you must be able to implement programme ideas and follow them through to conclusion. Occasionally there are last minute changes and quick and efficient turnarounds can be required."

The role also requires the head gardener is capable of organising filming priorities, meeting deadlines, and managing other garden staff.

Although the position is described as a 'behind-the-scenes' role, the advert states the candidate has to be willing to appear in front of camera on occasion and ready to offer their opinions on gardening.

The gardener must also be able to bring a 'sustainable and trendy approach' to Beechgrove, with the application window closing on Friday, December 6.

Anyone interested in the position is invited to submit a CV on the Horticulture Jobs website here.