Category: Inverleith

Botanics to reopen on 1st July

A warm and safe welcome back is imminent for visitors to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh when it reopens to the public on Wednesday 1st July.

As the country emerges from lockdown, teams across the organisation are gearing-up for opening the public gates on Wednesday, 1st July.

In line with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s Phase 2 announcement yesterday, well-considered strategies have been adopted to create a safe environment for visitors and staff at Inverleith, in Edinburgh; Benmore, in Argyll; Logan, in Galloway and Dawyck, in the Scottish Borders.

New, temporary, measures include a one-way system on a number of Garden paths and some restrictions to access of other confined areas such as shops and toilets. Staff will be using PPE.

Regius Keeper Simon Milne MBE explained: “We look forward to welcoming back visitors to all four Gardens. This connection with the environment is vital for the well-being of all.

“With the safety of our staff and visitors remaining our prime concern, we have amended operations on all sites to introduce measures that should build trust and confidence. Lockdown has been a difficult time for everyone, caution is widespread and life will remain away from what we regard as normal for some time.

“Travel restrictions remain in place and, for the immediate future, all four Gardens will be restricted to welcoming their local communities. However, this is a first hugely important step in our return to extended outreach.”

A new and important measure for the reopening of the Edinburgh flagship Garden is the introduction of time slots tickets, to be booked in advance by visitors. Time slots can be booked on-line from Wednesday, June 24. 

While admission to the Garden remains free of charge, this temporary method of entry will enable staff to limit the number of visitors accessing the Garden at any one time, gradually building capacity when all are comfortable the operational guidelines work.

The Glasshouses will remain closed, initially. The Garden will initially be open from 10am-5pm and capacity will be limited to 2,000 visitors a day.

To ensure personal distancing, entry will be through the Emergency Vehicle Access (EVA) Gate at Arboretum Place, to the south of the John Hope Gateway visitor centre, and the East Gate on Inverleith Row. Any queues will be managed to ensure a smooth flow into the Garden.

Simon Milne concluded: “It is heartening visitors enjoyed following us online while the gates were closed and we hope they will continue to do so. However, the benefits of real time interaction with the natural environment are unsurpassable. We ask for everyone’s patience, understanding and support as we resume operations steadily and in a way that works for everyone.”

Visitors returning to the four Gardens will be invited to make a donation or support the organisation by becoming a member and providing crucial support for this world-leading charity in plant science and conservation horticulture.

Looking forward, its research and conservation initiatives at home and around the world have never been more important. By supporting the organisation, supporters can make real change in tackling the challenges of the climate emergency and habitat crisis.

Armed robbery at Goldenacre store

Police are appealing for information after an armed robbery at a store in the Warriston area. The incident happened at a premises on Montagu Terrace around 7.40am this morning.

A man entered the store and presented a knife, he threatened staff to open the till and made off with a sum of cash.

The man is described as being white, aged in his early 20s, of slim build, around 6ft to 6ft 2in tall. He had a black face covering and was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, black trousers and black gloves.

Detective Sergeant Dougal Begg, of Corstorphine CID, said: “Thankfully nobody was injured in the incident but this was a frightening experience for the member of staff.

“Enquires are ongoing to identify the man responsible, including reviewing CCTV from the area.

“Anyone who believes they may have information which could help identify the man or who was in the area at the time of the robbery is urged to contact police as soon as they can.”

Anyone with information call 101, quoting incident 0924 of 9 May, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Botanics launches vegan and gluten-free afternoon teas

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is now serving its new indulgent afternoon tea menu, that for the first time includes completely vegan and gluten-free experiences. 

Created by Sodexo, the foodie team behind the restaurant and cafés at the Botanics, the new addition is the perfect way to enhance a fantastic day at the Gardens.

Launching in time for Mother’s Day, The Gateway Restaurant provides a relaxed and contemporary backdrop to enjoy a mouth-watering afternoon tea, whilst overlooking the gardens from this world-renowned sustainable venue. Available from 6 March, the new offer is inspired by the gardens, bringing the outdoors in and onto the plate.

Served from 2.30pm each day, the Botanical Afternoon Tea features an edible plant pot and mini cone topped with candy floss along with a selection of seasonal sandwiches and sweet treats guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds.

A highlight of the vegan option is the sausage roll made with locally sourced wild mushrooms and on the gluten free menu, the venue has introduced a savoury quiche.

The chocolate trough, inspired by a window box features on all three menus as does the quintessential scone. Served on individually decorated stands afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the restaurant, or al fresco on the terrace.

Commenting on the new afternoon tea, Susan Holligan, Catering General Manager at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This new immersive afternoon tea provides guests with a complete Botanics experience.

“The menu has been designed to showcase the best of the garden and reflect how it changes during the year. It will feature seasonal dishes that illustrate the changing flora and fauna surrounding our restaurant.

“We want to ensure everyone can enjoy the decadent afternoon tea experience regardless of dietary requirements, so with an estimated 600,000 vegans in the UK and 8.5 million people on gluten-free diets, we have worked hard to create the perfect alternatives.

“We don’t believe in simply substituting certain items to fulfil allergy requirements, we have worked just as hard on our full vegan and gluten-free stands so that everyone has the perfect Botanical Afternoon Tea experience.

“Afternoon tea is always a popular occasion, but it certainly peaks around Mother’s Day when families come together to spoil their mum or grandma. And with this literally just around the corner, we’d advise early booking to avoid disappointment.”

Available from 6 March, afternoon tea costs £24.95 per person with unlimited tea and coffee, or £29.95 per person with a glass of fizz. The gluten-free and vegan options have to be ordered 24 hours in advance.

Pre-booking isn’t essential but recommended.

Stockbridge faces months of traffic disruption

To allow utility works to take place, Deanhaugh Street will be closed in both directions from 0900 hrs today for approximately EIGHT weeks.

Lothian has the following bus diversions in place:

Services 24 29 X29 – between Comely Bank Road and Frederick Street, buses will be diverted via Comely Bank Avenue, Dean Bridge, Randolph Crescent, Albyn Place, Queen Street, North Castle Street and George Street in both directions.

Service 36 – between Hamilton Place and Lothian Road, buses will be diverted via Kerr Street, Howe Street, Frederick Street, George Street and South Charlotte Street in both directions.

Service 42 – between Comely Bank Road and George Street, buses will be diverted via Comely Bank Avenue, Dean Bridge, Randolph Crescent, Albyn Place, Queen Street, North Castle Street and George Street in both directions.

Apart from that, everything’s just fine and dandy …

Christmas at the Botanics: Festive light spectacular returns bigger and brighter

  • The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to transform into a twinkling winter wonderland this Christmas with an array of lights, projections and lasers
  • Over one million pea-lights on mile-long outdoor trail
  • New installations this year are ‘Voyage’, ‘Light-Hearted’, Icicle Garden and Laser Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will sprinkle a generous dusting of Christmas cheer and wonder once again this year as one of Edinburgh’s most popular festive season events, ‘Christmas at The Botanics’, returns for its third consecutive year running for 30 nights from 22 November to 29 December. Continue reading Christmas at the Botanics: Festive light spectacular returns bigger and brighter

Councillors back Botanics’ Biomes project

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has won the backing of city councillors to proceed with an ambitious £70m initiative to safeguard Scotland’s priceless national plant collections and future proof its status as a world-leading centre for plant science, education, horticulture and conservation.

State-of-the-art facilities will underpin the Garden’s core activities, while the visitor experience will be greatly enhanced through the refurbishment and extension of the popular public Glasshouses. Continue reading Councillors back Botanics’ Biomes project

Have your say on the future of the Botanic Gardens

Whether you love the Botanic Gardens or have never visited before, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh would love to hear from you!

They’re looking to speak to local residents to hear what you think about the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and chat about ideas for new opportunities which could take place as a result of the Edinburgh Biomes project. Continue reading Have your say on the future of the Botanic Gardens