This week the Scottish Executive announced a further £3 million of funding towards The Gateway - Scotland's National Biodiversity Centre, to add to their existing promise of £2 million.
In addition, the Heritage Lottery Fund this week confirmed stage one approval for a further £3.2 million, providing another major step towards the target for the project.
The Gateway is a major new capital initiative being developed by the Botanics. Set to open in summer 2009, The Gateway will offer an unrivalled facility where visitors can discover the world of plants and the scientific work of the Botanics through an exciting set of interactive experiences and activities. With the involvement of partners in science and conservation, The Gateway will also provide a unique window on biodiversity in Scotland. Click here for more about The Gateway.
In addition to funding from grant bodies, The Gateway has already received over £1 million of support from a number of companies, trusts and individuals.
As negotiations continue with grant bodies for a further £3 million, the spotlight of the campaign now moves to the need to raise the remaining money from companies, individuals and charitable foundations.
We now need your/ help to close the final £4 million gap in our funding. If you would like to help us seize this opportunity to create one of the world's foremost centres for the communication of biodiversity, please contact Mike Robinson.