Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
We dropped into the ever popular Hillmount Garden Centre off the Ballygowan road in rural Belfast. After our usual scones and teas we had a walk round the store.
In the lighting section we came across Hillmount owner, Robin Mercer's balloon basket, that he flies high in over Italian skies every summer. Grandfather Robin and members of his family have been involved in European and Irish ballooning for over 20 years. In 2026 in Italy Robin was accompanied in this basket being displayed by his son and his grandson. That's 3 generations of Mercers flying high in southern Europe!
As well as being a top horticulturist Robin Mercer is one of Northern Ireland's small numbered, ballooning band of brothers!
Come and see his balloon basket displayed up at Hillmount Garden Centre in the Castlereagh Hills and enjoy a scone and a cuppa while you are there.
Many thanks to Robin for taking time out of his very busy schedule to give us this mini interview!
We dropped into the ever popular Hillmount Garden Centre off the Ballygowan road in rural Belfast. After our usual scones and teas we had a walk round the store.
In the lighting section we came across Hillmount owner, Robin Mercer's balloon basket, that he flies high in over Italian skies every summer. Grandfather Robin and members of his family have been involved in European and Irish ballooning for over 20 years. In 2026 in Italy Robin was accompanied in this basket being displayed by his son and his grandson. That's 3 generations of Mercers flying high in southern Europe!
As well as being a top horticulturist Robin Mercer is one of Northern Ireland's small numbered, ballooning band of brothers!
Come and see his balloon basket displayed up at Hillmount Garden Centre in the Castlereagh Hills and enjoy a scone and a cuppa while you are there.
Many thanks to Robin for taking time out of his very busy schedule to give us this mini interview!
