Kingdom Scotland, Scotland’s first fragrance house, has worked intensely over two years to create an evocative, botanical, and gender-inclusive scent marking the 350^th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. In tribute to the work and passion, enlightened spirit and dedication of botanists, horticulturists, scientists and plant hunters of the past, present and future, Kingdom Botanica is an extraordinary, bio-diverse, perfume to be released Summer 2020.

Expertly crafted by a Scottish perfumer, using only the finest sustainable and ethical ingredients, in celebration of 350 prolific years of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the scent profile of this complex perfume has been meticulously researched in partnership with the research institute’s Archivists and Science team. It tells a story in scent of the huge diversity of the botanical world and of the guardianship role played by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in global research and conservation

With over 35 natural and sustainable aromatic ingredients, the Kingdom Botanica scent is transporting, evocative and complex, with notes inspired by flora and woods from some of the institute’s key regions of work, on Asia, South America and the Middle East. It is inspired by vibrant herbaceous botanicals and spices from around the world; deep dramatic woods, including majestic redwoods, Sequoiadendron, one of the best-loved conifers.

Providing cutting-edge, innovative and influential scientific research and horticulture since the 17^th century, Imogen Russon-Taylor, Founder of Kingdom Scotland fragrance house, explained why she was keen to dedicate this new fragrance to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: “This has been the project of a lifetime, she said. “We set out to create a perfume that celebrates biodiversity and the role this organisation has and is contributing to global conservation and research. This is quite a fragrance brief!

“I started working with Leonie Paterson, in the Garden’s Archives. We delved into the amazing collection of plant discoveries from prolific Scottish botanists such as George Forrest, Sibbald, Martin, Douglas, Balfour, Sutherland and Fortune. Then, we took to the Herbarium and Garden investigating the preserved and living collections with botanist Dr Gregory Kenicer.

“Working with this incredible team has been an inspiration. From investigating the spectacular and globally significant plant collection – the outdoor Living Collection and Glasshouses, to exploring the jewels indoors in the Herbarium, Archives and science labs, rarely seen by visitors. It has all been a hugely memorable and profound experience. We are all very proud that the collective result is a scent that evokes the beauty and complexity of biodiversity.”

Dr Gregory Kenicer, a researcher in Tropical Diversity at the Garden, commented on the professionalism and integrity of Imogen Russon-Taylor, in her research and development of the perfume: “It was an absolute privilege to work with Imogen and the team at Kingdom Scotland,” he said. “She delved into every aspect of our history, our research and the sheer diversity of plants with which we work.  To see her team them take all of this diverse information and translate it into a perfume was a revelation – it’s like a kind of alchemy – a real blend of science and art to produce a fragrance that celebrates the rich and vibrant botanical world.

“It was deeply heartening to see Imogen’s eagerness to look at current and upcoming projects, in particular, and tie them in to the scents she included, without making a mishmash. So, there are notes from our Centre for Middle Eastern Plants, International Conifer Conservation Project and from Nepal and China. Also a nod to our rhododendron conservation, the research on gingers and even our students’ Demonstration Garden plots and community engagement. This also gives a great geographical and botanical range of plants.

“As an organisation, our deep roots and our core work for the shared future of plants and people on this fragile planet are enhanced by Kingdom Botanica. We are very grateful for Imogen’s direct support of this vital research and conservation work.”

Profits from sales of Kingdom Botanica will go towards the work of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

ENDS

For information, interviews, images and samples please contact:

Shauna Hay, shay@rbge.org.uk on 07824 529 028 

EDITOR’S NOTES

KINGDOM BOTANICA Eau de Parfum (Summary of key notes)

 A vibrant, passionate and woody-green-floral oriental scent. Inspired by the adventurous Scottish plant hunters of the past, present and future. This is biodiversity in a bottle. Expertly crafted to celebrate 350 prolific years of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Top Notes: Spiced Plum Blossoms, Fresh Pink Pepper, Lush Blackcurrant Stem & Bud, Green Botanicals and Pine Needle

Heart Notes: Exotic White Florals, Lily, Ginger Lily, Jasmin, Wild Herbaceous Vegetation, Sweet Myrrh, Frankincense

Base Notes: Warming Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Vetiver, White Musk, Amber

50ml Eau de Parfum RRP: £120

KINGDOM SCOTLAND

Kingdom Scotland is a timeless realm explored in scent. Our perfumes capture stories, experiences and the dramatic contrasts at the heart of a land that enthrals the imagination. Evocative, modern, gender-inclusive scents are expertly crafted using only the finest natural and sustainable aromatic ingredients.

This is Scotland’s first fragrance house. www.kingdomscotland.com

Image Information:

Creative Botanical Photography by Phoebe Grigor – www.phoebegrigor.com

Phoebe is a talented art photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. She has worked zealously over the past year to bring this perfume project to life in image. Further bringing to life the story of 350 years of pioneering biodiversity in scent.

Her compelling collection of images include multi-faceted perspectives of the Glasshouses, botanicals, and flora discoveries of the RBGE. Modern, complex and intriguing.

Please contact Imogen@kingdomscotland.com for more information and the collection of images.

Perfume Bottle Image:

Rendered perfume bottle image by www.renderstudio.co.uk

350^th Anniversary of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Established in 1670 as a physic garden, near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in 2020 the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh celebrates its 350th anniversary.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a leading international research organisation delivering knowledge, education and plant conservation action around the world. In Scotland its four Gardens at Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan attract a million visitors each year. It operates as a Non Departmental Public Body established under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985, principally funded by the Scottish Government. It is also a registered charity, managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Ministers. Its mission is “To explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future.” Learn more: www.rbge.org.uk