Article Source: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Last Updated: 23 February 2024 13:02
In a move to make garden visits more accessible to the people of Scotland, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has introduced a new low-cost entry ticket for young people and those on Universal Credit/Pension Credit, inviting them to visit its sites at Dawyck (Scottish Borders), Logan (Dumfries & Galloway), and Benmore (Argyll) for the reduced price of just £1*.
The offer will be launched, in partnership with Young Scot, across all three Gardens by March 1, 2024, when the sites will be fully open for the busy spring and summer seasons.
With entry to Edinburgh already free, the introduction of low-cost tickets is an extension of RBGE’s commitment to being inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all. Given the increasing cost of living, these discounted tickets offer young people, and many others for whom the entry fee would be a barrier to visiting, affordable access to explore the Gardens in all their glory.
Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Raoul Curtis-Machin said: “Being close to nature has never been more important, whether it be to learn about the work being done to conserve our fragile planet, to gain the health benefits of being in open spaces, or simply enjoy landscaped grounds.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for many more people to visit our beautiful Gardens this spring and summer for a pocket-friendly price. Whether it’s to see the magnificent mountainside garden at Benmore, the stunning walled garden and sub-tropical species at Logan, or to wander in Dawyck’s world-renowned arboretum, we hope that many more visitors will take advantage of the diverse array of outdoor experiences on offer.
“As well as having a great day exploring or attending exhibitions, workshops and tours, visitors will also be supporting the vital conservation work undertaken by RBGE to the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. It is fundamental to our ethos that as many people as possible can participate in that experience.”
Studies show that consistent engagement in nature significantly boosts mental well-being. In 2023, a visitor survey at the Logan Botanic Garden supported this, revealing that 30% of visitors came for walking and exercise, while 17% visited to socialise with family and friends. This reinforces the Garden’s role in promoting health and well-being through social and recreational activities.
Young Scot will be promoting the offer to all Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders. The organisation’s chief executive, Kirsten Urquhart said: “We know the positive impact spending time outside can have on wellbeing and happiness and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - with sites across Scotland - providing access to all their sites for just £1 is an amazing opportunity for young people to access positive experiences in spaces where they can connect and have fun.
It is imperative that we all work towards eliminating barriers for all young people. By collaborating with RGBE and creating these opportunities we are continuing to open up healthy, inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences for young people via the Young Scot National Entitlement Card.”
Some of the activities that visitors can experience this spring include the breathtaking Snowdrop Walks taking place at Dawyck each Sunday until March 10, as the Garden participates in this year’s Scottish Snowdrop Festival. In Logan, visitors can look forward to the exciting Drum for Fun event on May 16, where the Stranraer Drumming Group will fill the exotic Walled Garden with their vivacious beats. If it’s peace and quiet visitors are after, Benmore offers a chance to relax and enjoy the serenity of its Silent Spaces. Whether it be in the Golden Gates Arboretum, enjoying the quiet company of the giant conifers, or a perch on the hillside of Rhododendrons, visitors are welcome to indulge in a spot of mindfulness while enjoying the spectacular view.
For more details regarding opening times please visit https://www.rbge.org.uk/
* Full-price adult entry tickets for Dawyck, Logan and Benmore are £10 (which include a small voluntary donation to the Garden). Standard price tickets are £9.
THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend at Vue Cinemas.
READ MOREBoots Edinburgh Princes Street store reveals exciting refurbishment and to celebrate, the store is holding a celebration event this weekend, Friday 26th to Sunday 28th of July.
READ MOREInternational champion and Strictly Come Dancing star NIKITA KUZMIN is thrilled to be presenting his first ever UK solo tour MIDNIGHT DANCER.
READ MOREEdinburgh’s award-winning Cold Town Brewery has launched a nationwide search to appoint an honorary chief taster to help develop its new summer beer range.
READ MOREJoin a very special session on Zoom as The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) celebrates The Gruffalo's 25th birthday, in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books!
READ MOREAt this year’s Festival Fringe, Edinburgh University Students’ Association will once again host some of the city’s best local eats.
READ MORESome of the city’s best food vendors pop up for daytime dining at Gilded Balloon’s brand-new bar Lucky Penny including Alby’s, Spitaki, Wing Theory and more.
READ MOREX Factor's Sam Bailey will star as April when NOW Thats What I Call A Musical visits the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.
READ MORECharity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.
READ MORE900 Voices: An ambitious participative sound art project for the 900th Anniversary Celebrations of St Giles’ Cathedral Edinburgh launches as part of Edinburgh International Festival.
READ MOREVadim Grigoryan, co-founder and artistic director of X MUSE Vodka (the official drink partner of EAF's 20th Birthday), shares his highlights below through the lens of 'Symbols of Time'.
READ MOREThe award-winning five-star Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is launching its debut pop-up boutique showcasing the very best of Scotland’s local business landscape.
READ MOREMusic lovers have a lot to celebrate this summer at Vue, with three exciting titles hitting the big screen – including BLACKPINK’s latest concert film.
READ MOREAs Scotland's official Team GB Fanzone, St James Quarter is hosting a Festival of Sport to celebrate the 2024 Olympics.
READ MOREJohnnie Walker Princes Street will offer guests the chance to co-create their own one-of-a kind Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle with Scottish Artist Scott Naismith.
READ MOREBathgate ace James Wood ends five-day event with 2&1 triumph over Jack McDonald at Scotscraig Golf Club
READ MOREOn 24 July, Scotland’s first sing-along piano & cocktail bar – “Downstairs at Betty’s” will launch in Edinburgh.
READ MOREAn exciting refurbishment of 78 former army HQ homes in one of Edinburgh's most sought-after areas is due to start.
READ MOREIn response to Scotlands gloomy and grey summer weather, Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for the country’s Ultimate BBQ Ambassador.
READ MOREThe landscape photography competition will run until October with three prizes up for grabs!
READ MORETrust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.
READ MOREThis weekend and next week, those that love a bargain, especially a high-quality, brand bargain can book a free ticket to come and explore Showcase at The Pavilion, Royal Highland Centre.
READ MOREFrom comedy to drama and everything in between, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the ultimate destination for Fringe Festival activities.
READ MOREOn 22 August, the team at Impact Arts will raise a glass to three decades of life-changing work, as Scotland's leading creative engagement charity prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.
READ MORESip & Bark, Edinburgh’s newest dog-friendly brunch spot, have announced full details of their highly anticipated "Bubbles Brunch" which launched earlier today (18th July).
READ MOREWith striking views over the whole city, from the Castle to the Firth of Forth, The Resident Edinburgh will open to guests from 1st September 2024, with rooms available to book now.
READ MOREDobbies is celebrating National Allotment Week by inviting gardening enthusiasts across the country to a series of free Grow How workshops throughout the month, focusing on allotment gardening.
READ MOREInterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel has unveiled a commissioned artwork in celebration of one of the city’s great literary figures, Susan Ferrier.
READ MORECelebrated Edinburgh-based chef, Roberta Hall-McCarron, announces a unique partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Heritage Portfolio, a division of Sodexo Live!.
READ MOREThe Bartenders Ball is heading East for the first time, complete with brand new Edinburgh Bar Awards celebrating the best of hospitality in Auld Reekie.
READ MORE