Following careful consideration of all relevant factors, the decision has been made to start the 2021 visitor season for Dawyck Botanic Garden, near Peebles, on Monday, March 1.

This delay from the normal annual opening of February 1 has been prompted by the desire to support the wider community during the difficult period of our second COVID-19 lockdown. At a time when Scottish Government is urging us all to stay at home unless travel is absolutely necessary, when local health services are being stretched and businesses throughout the area are facing unequalled strains, we felt it inappropriate to encourage visitors to travel nine miles from the nearest town.

In taking this step, the management of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) – Dawyck’s parent organisation – and the Garden’s Curator Graham Stewart are content that we are acting in the best interests of everyone concerned.

While fully appreciating that many regular Dawyck visitors anticipate the start of the season and look forward to coming along from the first days of opening, we hope everyone can understand this decision has been made with the best possible of motives.

We are working towards offering a safe and warm welcome on March 1 and, in the meantime, will do our utmost to keep in touch with all who know and enjoy Dawyck.