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Little Sparta

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

Little Sparta

About Little Sparta

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

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.

Upcoming Events at Little Sparta

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Little Sparta

Selected dates between 26th August 2025 - 2nd September 2025

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

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All Gardens and Parks listings in Lanarkshire

Sponsored Links

Media Shop
Glasgow Science Centre
The Quay
Renfrewshire Council
Link
One Ren
Paisley First
ATG
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Sponsored Links

Media Shop
Glasgow Science Centre
The Quay
Renfrewshire Council
Link
One Ren
Paisley First
ATG
Go Radio
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Adventure Cinema: Outdoor Cinema at Chatelherault
Adventure Cinema, the UK's largest outdoor cinema tour, returns this summer with incredible movies to watch under the sun and stars at Chatelherault!
Sweet Like Sabrina Tribute Night
Clarkston Primary School PTA Present Sweet Like Sabrina. Everyone is welcome to come along to see this high energy tribute to Sabrina Carpenter on Friday 12th September!
Cinema: The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker has long been one of the most delightful ways to discover the enchantment of ballet – and makes for a delicious seasonal treat for all the family!
New2U Market and Fayre
MacKinnon Mills are launching the New2U Market and Fayre with up to 55 stalls absolutely bursting with a mixed array of new, pre-loved, crafters and businesses selling their goods!
Arias for a Summer Night
Singers travelling from all over the world are stopping in Stonehouse for a special evening of opera on Sunday 20th July!

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