The life and extraordinary adventures of an intrepid early 20^th female explorer and botanist is celebrated in superb floral style at the St James Quarter, Edinburgh from 24 June to 3 July.

Born at Carlowrie castle in West Lothian in 1889, Isobel Wylie Hutchison overthrew societal conventions of the 1920s and 30s to travel solo through the countries of the Arctic. Trekking across Iceland, Greenland and Alaska, she recorded her experiences on film and collected botanical specimens, many of which are held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). Later, she would become a successful writer and public speaker.

Now, a free exhibition at the St James Quarter recognises her work alongside that of other remarkable women including Mary, Queen of Scots, Annie Lennox and Marilyn Monroe.  Fleurs de Villes, the world-renowned bespoke floral show, has worked with talented local florists to create and showcase a series of floral mannequins that represent 15 women of Scottish and international cultural significance.

Launched on Friday, 24 June, the show’s exhibits were judged by a panel of experts that included RBGE’s Dr Mark Hughes, tropical botanist and Dr Greg Kenicer, lecturer, with winners receiving botanical gifts including Edinburgh Gin’s 1670 gin which pays tribute to the establishment of RBGE in the 17^th century, and Kingdom Botanica, a floral fragrance inspired by the botanicals of the Garden.

Isobel Wylie Hutchison’s mannequin, created by Cassia Salvona Floral Design and presented by RBGE, shows her dressed in the Inuit costume suitable for the terrain she loved.

Image by Ian Georgeson photography.