Creating inspirational outreach to engage children and young people with the natural world has brought international recognition for Edinburgh’s Eve Armstrong.
School visits around the country, virtual lessons, and a series of videos have won her the Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI) 2026 Marsh Award for education in botanic gardens.
Since 2023 Eve, an Education Outreach Officer at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has built up an extensive Scotland-wide outreach programme. She has engaged with over 7,000 pupils, by visiting schools from the Borders to Aberdeen and the Outer Hebrides.
In addition, she has reached a further 13,000 pupils in live streaming and enabling virtual visits to the research institute’s Glasshouses, Herbarium, Plant Nursery and Herbology room, as well as the Garden itself.
These interactive experiences have beamed into classrooms in 23 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities. Along the way, Eve has enthused primary and secondary age pupils on topics ranging from Rainforests to Scottish Native Plants and Botanic Careers.
Amy McDonald, Project Engagement Manager, nominated Eve for the award. She explained: “Eve always goes the extra mile to share the joy and importance of plants. The enthusiastic feedback we receive shows that pupils and teachers love her approach and session content.
“She always finds innovative and creative ways to connect with pupils in-person and virtually. Her videos have seen her don waders to film in a pond and borrow an infrared camera to map the heat emitted from a magnificent Amorphophallus titanum.
“Many of her lessons encourage young people to think about what actions they could take to conserve biodiversity – from looking after the natural spaces around their home, school, or local area, to lobbying adults to take action.”
As well as professional recognition, Eve receives £1,000 in prize money.
She said: “I am very fortunate to be in the position of working with children and young people right around the country. They are the future guardians of our planet and the starting point for them should be about having fun, learning about the vast number of positive experiences they can have by engaging with plants.
“We need their enthusiasm. At a time when 40 per cent of all known species are in danger of extinction, the determination of the next generation can make massive changes for the better in combating the impact of the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. To inspire a sense of wonder in the natural world turns out to be fun and inspiring for me as well as them.”
What if the solution to flooding, rising temperatures and biodiversity loss was right under our noses? Visitors are invited to discover how plants can help tackle some of today’s most critical environmental challenges through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Nature-based Solutions tour on June 12.
The guided tour takes visitors behind the scenes of the Garden’s Nature-based Solutions programme which showcases real-life examples of how plants are being used to address environmental challenges.
Along the tour, visitors can explore stormwater planters, living lawns, bioretention ponds and Edinburgh’s flagship rain garden, while learning how these projects help reduce flooding, regulate temperatures, and create valuable habitats for wildlife
A highlight of the tour is the Garden’s Rain Garden, which was created in 2019 to tackle persistent flooding was developed through a collaboration between Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh scientists, horticulturists, and researchers from Heriot-Watt University.
The project transformed a regularly flooded lawn and pathway into a thriving planted landscape. The surrounding paths no longer flood, the Garden is sustained entirely by rainfall, and the planting continues to thrive, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can deliver practical and lasing benefits.
The tour also provides an insight into the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s wider Nature-based Solutions programme and its Plants with Purpose initiative.
Through research and real -world testing, the programme investigates how plants can help reduce flood risk, regulate temperatures and restore biodiversity in urban environments, as cities adapt to the impacts of climate change, this work is helping build the evidence needed to create greener, healthier and more resilient communities
Whether you’re passionate about climate action, conservation or sustainable gardening, the Nature-based Solutions tour offers a unique opportunity to explore how plants can help create healthier and more resilient communities.
As well as learning about the science behind these projects, visitors will discover practical ideas that can be applied in gardens, neighborhoods and urban spaces, demonstrating how nature can play a vital role in addressing the environment challenges of today and tomorrow.
Caitlyn Johnstone one of the nature-based solutions scientists explains, “The ecosystem is incredibly connected, and plants are changing the world around them: soaking up floodwater, stabilizing land, providing food and shelter to insects and birds, improving human wellbeing, even actively cooling the air!
“When we learn from nature and apply the power of those plants to specific problems, we improve our world in so many ways.”
All are invited to our Time to Remember Summer event in Fidra (No.17 Boswall Road) on Friday 19 June, at 2pm. This is an opportunity to gather together to remember loved ones who have died.
It’s an inclusive event, appropriate for all ages, and for people of all faiths and none. If you have children, feel free to bring them too. The event will include: quiet music, readings and reflections, the chance to think about the people we love and to write their name(s), and a gift to take home.
The Iona cafe will be open afterwards offering free hot drinks for anyone who wishes to stay and chat.
So sorry to learn of the death of Scottish rugby star Scott Hastings yesterday. Scott was 61, and passed away on his beloved late wife Jenny’s birthday.
Among those paying tribute to a special man was First Minister John Swinney, who said: ‘I am terribly saddened to hear the news that Scott Hastings has died.
“One of Scotland’s finest rugby players, Scott was an example to all of outstanding sportsmanship. I always felt such joy when I met him at Murrayfield.
“My deepest sympathy to his family.”
Scottish Rugby has published a moving tribute to a fine man:
Scott Hastings won 65 caps for Scotland over 11 years (a record at that time), represented the British & Irish Lions on 12 occasions on two tours and played 13 games for the Barbarians. A proud Watsonian, he also wore the Edinburgh jersey with such distinction.
He remains the most-capped Scotland male centre of all-time.
But those stellar stats tell far from the whole story.
Sir Ian McGeechan, former Scotland and Lions head coach said: “My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me because we came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time. We came in together and we grew together.
“I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead. He was so single-minded and determined about winning.
“He was very much your right-hand man, given what he did on the field. I still remember the Grand Slam game against England in 1990. There was his Lions team-mate from the previous year, Jerry Guscott, in the England team, but Scott gave nothing away to him whatsoever.
“Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better.”
Current Scotland Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, said: “In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Scott was an iconic figure for Scottish rugby.
“His defensive display in the 1990 Grand Slam victory over England was crucial to that day’s success and he epitomised what it meant to play for Scotland – combining passion, confidence and aggression, whenever he wore the navy blue jersey.
“Like many other schoolboys throughout Scotland at the time, I wanted to emulate Scott’s approach to the game and how he took the game to the opposition.
“A few years later, I was fortunate to play alongside him on a number of occasions for Scotland, as he became our most-capped player.
“His influence on his team-mates was still very strong towards the end of his career as he helped us come very close to winning another Grand Slam game against England at Murrayfield in 1996.
“Scott always brought positivity and energy into everything he did from his playing career then into the past couple of decades as a widely travelled and respected commentator.
“His passing is a huge loss for Scottish rugby, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Scott.”
Another of Scott’s former international team-mates, Kenny Logan, worked closely with Scott when the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was established, following Doddie Weir’s diagnosis with motor neurone disease.
Kenny said: “Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up. His energy was incredible. I worked with him while he was chair of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Scott’s role wasn’t just about generating PR. He was very knowledgeable and would never hesitate to do his bit.”
Scott was first capped against France in 1986 and his last was away to England in 1997. He toured with the Lions in the series-winning trip to Australia in 1989 and again to New Zealand in 1993, playing in two Tests against the Wallabies.
As Ian McGeechan noted, Scott was fiercely competitive and his attitude meant he was very much at home when the game became professional in 1995.
Yet Scott’s passion for the game and zest for life meant that fun was never far from the surface.
First meeting Scott as a young reporter on the Edinburgh Evening News, he was a joy to work with. Blessed with scalding acceleration and pulverising in the tackle – and that was evident from his days in school rugby at George Watson’s College, where he benefited from the tutelage of another Scotland cap, the late Donald Scott – Scott loved a bit of good-natured mischief.
Whether it was inadvertently launching a tomato which caught an SRU sponsor flush on the coupon at an international post-match dinner, or having to amend some 2,000 printed T-shirts with a marker pen to A S Haley, after a committee man took umbrage at the positioning of a “mystery buftie”, A S Hole, alongside his name. Scott could sail close to the wind, but, it was never malicious.
Born in Edinburgh on 4 December 1964, Scott progressed from school rugby via Watsonians and Newcastle Northern and made his debut for the Edinburgh District team against North & Midlands on November 1985.
A couple of months later, alongside brother Gavin, he had his Scotland debut in a win against France and followed it that February with a try in a record-breaking win against England.
In all, Scott scored ten tries for Scotland in those 65 caps – against England and Romania in 1986; France in 1987; Ireland in 1988 and 1991; Japan and Zimbabwe at the 1991 Rugby World Cup; Tonga and New Zealand in the 1995 RWC; and Wales in 1997.
Scott was inducted to the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last October and his unwavering love for the game in his acceptance speech left the audience utterly spellbound.
He loved the seven-a-side game, and he was incredibly proud of capturing a coveted Melrose Sevens winners medal with Watsonians in 1996.
After beginning work in marketing and PR in rugby’s amateur days, it was no surprise that Scott became a broadcaster – a stint that started alongside the legendary Bill McLaren during the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 1987. Scott was equally adept as expert summariser or main commentator.
The sheer undiluted joy in his voice as Scotland won their first title on the HSBC 7s circuit at Twickenham some ten years ago this weekend, will live long in the memory, as will his descriptions of subsequent Calcutta Cup triumphs in the XV-a-side game.
Scott was so generous in his support of multiple charities, many alongside his late wife, Jenny, who died in 2024.
The role they played together during the Covid pandemic of providing both a physical and mental well-being boost to their neighbours in the Warriston area of Edinburgh through daily gentle outdoor exercise was the perfect fillip in difficult times.
Scott had previously fought off non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, but it returned, though typical of the man, he always sought to maintain a positive outlook.
In a statement this afternoon, his son, Corey, and daughter, Kerry-Anne, said: “We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May.This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.
“Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.
“At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected.
“More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott’s incredible life.”
Scottish Rugby extends its heartfelt sympathies to Corey, Kerry-Anne, and Scott’s wider family, led by brothers Graeme, Gavin and Ewan and all his many friends.
The flag will fly at half-mast at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in tribute to one of Scotland’s finest sons.
We will share details of the funeral service once these are finalised.
A spokesperson for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said: “We are so sad to hear the news about Scott Hastings.
“Scott was our first chair at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and an incredible man, who was passionate about everything he did. He supported a huge number of important causes, and always did so with boundless energy and a smile.”
World Rugby said: World Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Scotland great Scott Hastings.
One of the defining players of his generation, Hastings represented Scotland across 65 test matches and played a pivotal role in the nation’s historic 1990 Grand Slam triumph.
A British & Irish Lion and an iconic figure in the game, he was respected throughout world rugby for his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment on the field. Following his playing career, Hastings remained a valued voice within the sport, continuing to contribute to rugby through broadcasting and advocacy with the same authenticity and love for the game that defined his career.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates and the entire Scottish rugby community at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Scott Hastings.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has unveiled its newly refreshed Garden View Deck & Bar, in association with Maison Pommery & Associés, offering a relaxed and elevated al fresco escape in the heart of the capital, in time for the summer season.
Located within the John Hope Gateway, the Garden View Deck & Bar will, for the first time, extend its opening hours across the summer months. The Deck & Bar is open from 12PM to 8PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12PM to 4:30PM on Sundays, offering the perfect weekend lunchtime escape with a view.
On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can continue enjoying the space with extended opening hours until 8PM. While the wider Gardens close at 5PM, the Deck remains open, offering panoramic views over the Living Collection in the light summer evenings.
The new evening offering invites guests to experience the Botanics at a different pace, encouraging them to linger longer and unwind in a beautiful garden setting as the sun sets. In collaboration with catering partners Heritage Portfolio, the menu has been designed for informal grazing and sharing, with a focus on seasonality and bold, summery flavours.
Freshly prepared stone baked pizzas include classic combinations such as Margherita with tomato sugo, mozzarella and basil, and pepperoni with nduja and hot honey, as well as a vegan bianca with potato, caramelised onion and vegan mozzarella.
A selection of artisan small plates includes a cheese board for two with Stilton blue, Camembert and Arran smoked cheddar, seasonal pickles and Gordal olives and more. Just like the Gateway Cafe, the menu will be inspired by produce from the Kitchen Garden, infusing fresh, seasonal, and hyper-local ingredients into the menu.
Dr Julia Knights, Regius Keeper at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “Today marks an important moment in an exciting new partnership between Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Maison Pommery, which brings together shared values of excellence, heritage, sustainability and cultural engagement.
“Together we are creating a premium experience that invites our visitors to enjoy nature and celebrate the Garden through a new lens, showcasing both the beauty of the Garden and its important mission to protect Earth’s fragile habitats.”
Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio commented: “We are delighted to offer a new space for Edinburgh locals and visitors to enjoy this summer, with a food and beverage offering that champions local produce while reflecting the best of the season in a relaxed, open-air setting for long summer evenings.
“The menu has been designed to be informal and shareable, encouraging guests to graze, try a little of everything and spend time together over food.”
Maison Pommery is highlighted through a selection of its emblematic cuvées, reflecting its expertise and heritage. Each Champagne precisely expresses the House style, combining finesse, freshness, and balance.
Julien Lonneux, CEO of Maison Pommery United Kingdom, adds: “At Maison Pommery, we firmly believe that excellence cannot exist without responsibility. Preserving nature means preserving the very essence of our wines and our heritage.”
The drinks offer also includes a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks chosen to complement relaxed outdoor dining. A dedicated spritz menu brings a playful, botanical focus inspired by summer evenings.
Alongside classic serves like an Aperol Spritz and Hugo Spritz, the bespoke Garden Party collection includes the Strawberry Meadow with strawberry and elderflower, and the Provençal Bloom with lavender and lemon.
The Garden View Deck & Bar operates on a walk in basis, offering a flexible way to visit whether guests are rounding off a day in the Garden or arriving specifically for an evening drink and something to eat. Guests can enjoy the refreshed space on weekends from May 8th.
For more information on the Garden View Deck & Bar, please visit:
Explore peaceful memorial settings at the Botanics with our Celebrate Life Open Days
From adopting a tree or bench to placing a commemorative plaque, discover ways to honour and remember loved ones. Our team will be on hand to guide you through the Garden and answer any questions you may have.
Guided tours are available on each date at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, and 3pm, and will last approximately one hour.
Tours will begin at the Visitor Welcome Desk at the John Hope Gateway.
If you would like to attend, please contact Louise King, Development Officer, at lking@rbge.org.uk.
Join us for an inspiring evening of music, dance, and culture at Performing for Peace — a special charity concert bringing people together in support of for two very worthwhile causes.
This is more than a concert.
Every ticket you purchase is a direct contribution to real people, real families, and real lives.
Event Details
Inverleith St Serf’s Church, Ferry Road, Edinburgh
15 May 2026
Doors open: 7:00 PM | Concert starts: 7:30 PM
Tickets: £15
What to Expect
• Live music performances
• Dance showcases
• Cultural programme
• A warm and welcoming atmosphere
• A chance to be part of something that matters
Where Your Support Goes
All proceeds from the event will support:
• Children of Heroes (Ukraine) — helping children who have lost one or both parents due to the war. Your support provides care, stability, and future opportunities.
• Edinburgh Direct Aid — delivering humanitarian aid directly to communities affected by crisis, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
We feel so honored to have been first community group to be lucky enough to visit the beautifully restored Palm Houses since their closure in 2021
This was the perfect opportunity to gain insight into the history of the building, the restoration process, and some amazing garden stories related to this space!
Huge thank you to the Palm Houses Engagement team at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for the invitation and creating such an informative and interactive tour!
We can’t wait to welcome the full opening of the Palm Houses and return again!
Guided tours are available on each date at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, and 3pm, and will last approximately one hour. 
Inverleith St Serf’s Church, Ferry Road, Edinburgh
15 May 2026
Doors open: 7:00 PM | Concert starts: 7:30 PM
Tickets: £15
