Gillies & Mackay, a leader in bespoke garden buildings, has unveiled an inspiring new show area at Glendoick Garden Centre in Perthshire. This curated space features a beautifully crafted potting shed and a stylish garden room, celebrating artisanal design and the strength of independent business partnerships.
The display reimagines what a garden room can offer—stylish, multi-functional spaces that are as inviting as they are practical.
At the centre of this launch is CEO Cara Mackay, one of the few women leading in Scottish manufacturing. Her bold and creative leadership is reshaping perceptions of garden buildings—showing how they can be expressive, modern extensions of the home.
Cara’s design-led vision blends function with flair, offering a compelling alternative to traditional garden buildings. Visitors to the showcase will discover rooms styled for leisure, productivity, or entertaining—each space designed to make outdoor living feel seamless and personal.
The interiors have been styled using upcycled elements and items sourced from local suppliers, including Glendoick itself. Cara explains: “We wanted to show that a garden room isn’t just a building—it’s a creative space that reflects your personality and enhances how you live,” referencing the bold aesthetic and unique mural by local artist Diane Selbie.
“This collaboration with Glendoick is more than just a display space,” says Cara. “It’s a showcase of how local talent and business partnerships can come together to create something inspiring and unique. We hope it sparks ideas for anyone looking to reimagine their garden or outdoor space.” She continues, “It’s not just an exhibit—it’s an area that inspires people to see the potential of their gardens as beautiful, functional spaces that offer a peaceful retreat from the demands of home and work.”
Adding another creative layer is a vivid floor mural by artist Diane Selbie, whose work has brightened public spaces across the region. Her latest piece draws visitors in with bold colours and playful energy, echoing her earlier commission for Gillies & Mackay’s founder, John Mackay—the now-famous “Crazy Frog” mural.
The Glendoick showcase is now open during regular centre hours, offering a wealth of design inspiration to anyone looking to transform their garden into a more enriching, beautiful space.
