Fundraiser for palm houses reaches £100,000

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s fundraiser for the renovation of the historic palm houses has reached £100,000.

Private donors have pledged to match donations from the public which have now raised £50,000 and the appeal has now achieved a milestone which is just short of halfway. The campaign aims to raise £250,000 to refurbish the 19th century palm houses in the next year.

This is part of the garden’s Edinburgh Biomes development project. The restoration began in 2022 to repair the crumbling stonework, the ironwork and to replace the glass with energy efficient robust panes.

Emma Lacroix, Director of Development and Communications at RBGE said: “This is a fantastic moment in our campaign, and we are immensely grateful for all the support we’ve received towards the restoration of these magnificent buildings.

“Supporting the appeal won’t just secure the care of a unique Living Collection of plants, some of which are endangered in their native habitats, but will also save an important part of Scotland’s architectural heritage. It will back the creation of an exciting new unified space, providing both returning and a new generation of visitors with the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by the splendour of the natural world.”

The restoration of the Palm Houses is also being supported by the Scottish Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Historic Environment Scotland, amongst others, as well as many individuals.

To learn more about how you too can help Save the Palm Houses, visit www.rbge.org.uk/palmhouses

The largest capital development project in the 353-year history of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), Edinburgh Biomes is central to RBGE’s response to the twin challenges of the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.