Little Sparta

Set in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh, Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art.

About Little Sparta

	Little Sparta Stonypath, Dunsyre ML11 8NG
	Little Sparta Website
	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - Gardens and Parks

Imbued with a high idea content, the garden is created from the artistic fusion of poetic and sculptural elements with those of the natural landscape which is shaped and changed to become an inherent part of the concepts realised at Little Sparta.

While works of art are commonly viewed in galleries, public parks and streets, museums and private houses, it is perhaps a unique achievement to have created a garden which is itself a major artwork encompassing within it both horticultural elements and individual works in such materials as stone, wood and metal.

Finlay’s intentions are moral and philosophical as well as poetic. The themes dealt with in the garden are those which underlie the structures of society. The French Revolution, pre-Socratic views of the nature of the world. The Second World War, the sea and its fishing fleets are among the sources of metaphor and image which are realised in the garden’s art works which now number over 275.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Little Sparta are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Little Sparta

Gardening

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Little Sparta

Selected dates between 25th June 2024 - 3rd September 2024

Little Sparta, Dunsyre

Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay's greatest work of art. Come and explore the grounds as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme!

Gardens and Parks

Cuningar Loop Woodland Park

Cuningar Loop Woodland Park , Rutherglen G73 1PW

Located in Rutherglen, across the Clyde from the Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village, Cuningar Loop has transformed 15 hectares of derelict, unused land into an attractive community greenspace!

Gardens and Parks

James Hamilton Heritage Park

James Hamilton Heritage Park Stewartfield Way, East Kilbride G74 5LB

James Hamilton Heritage Park is a 4 Star Visit Scotland accredited activity centre located in East Kilbride.

Gardens and Parks

Braedale Hill Local Nature Reserve

Braedale Hill Local Nature Reserve Bonkle Road, Newmains ML2 9AR

Braedale Hill Local Nature Reserve is situated in Newmains to the north east of Wishaw, a real haven for birds, insects, and animals!

Gardens and Parks

Chatelherault Country Park

Chatelherault Country Park Fernegair, Hamilton ML3 7UE

Chatelherault Country Park, a five star visitor attraction under the Visit Scotland grading scheme, has been described as a jewel in the local landscape.

Gardens and Parks

Cumbernauld Glen

, Cumbernauld

Cumbernauld Glen's ancient woodland is a haven for wildlife and the varied ground vegetation reflects the age of the site. Vast carpets of bluebells flower from May to June.

Gardens and Parks

Scottish Wildlife Trust: Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre

The Dyeworks New Lanark Mills, Lanark ML11 9DB

The Scottish Wildlife Trust Falls of Clyde and Visitor Centre is nestled in the Clyde Valley and is part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.

Gardens and Parks

David Livingstone Birthplace

165 Station Road, Blantyre G72 9BY

The David Livingstone Birthplace celebrates the birthplace and legacy of Dr David Livingstone in Blantyre and across Africa!

Gardens and Parks

Seafar Wood Wildlife Reserve

Seafar Wood Wildlife Reserve , Cumbernauld

Seafar Wood is a relatively young strip of woodland west of Cumbernauld Village.

Gardens and Parks

Kilbride Woodlands

1 Burley Place, East Kilbride G74 5LZ

The East Kilbride Community Trust (EKCT) are in the early stages of establishing a Community Woodland in the vicinity of Peel Park, East Kilbride, with...

Gardens and Parks

Palacerigg Country Park

Palacerigg Country Park , Cumbernauld G67 3HU

Explore the 10km network of nature trails and footpaths at Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld!

Gardens and Parks

Castlebank Park and Horticultural Centre

Castlebank Horticultural Centre Castlebank Park, Lanark ML11 9EG

Castlebank Park in Lanark is one of Scotland’s 71 Green Flag Parks. Free to visit, the park is open to the public all year and is very popular with families, dog walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Gardens and Parks