Sophie McKilligan

Sophie McKilligan is a gardener and Alotmenteer.

Sophie in 2019 started studying for RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture via online learning.

Sophie has been sharing her Plot at Garthdee Allotments in Aberdeen with Beechgrove viewers since June 2019 but has been gardening on the allotment site for 6 years.

She is the youngest plot holder on her site.

Her early appearances featured Carole Baxter visiting Sophie to give her advice on Carrot Fly and varieties of sweetcorn and featured in 3 episodes in 2019.

In 2020 Beechgrove was filmed and shown under the Covid-19 lockdown and restrictions and Sophie became a regular presenter alongside Carole Baxter, George Anderson, Chris Beardshaw, Brian Cunningham and Kirsty Wilson.

At a time when more people were inspired to grow their own produce, Sophie's regular allotment based slot proved a popular addition to the long running gardening programme, during these unusual times.

Beechgrove during 2020 became increasing popular throughout the United Kingdom with more people tuning in to the repeated showings and the fresh approach to the gardening show.

The inclusion of younger gardeners like the addition of Sophie had us all reaching for the seed packets and I hope they continue to feature Sophie and her allotment.

For Beechgrove in 2021 we will be following Sophie on her new role as part of the gardening team at Culzean Castle.

Also new for Beechgrove 2021 are 2 new fellow Presenters Mairi Rattray and Calum Clunie.

Sophie lives in the North East of Scotland with her very cute pug Mavis.