At a time when the work of botanic gardens has never been more crucial in combatting biodiversity loss and the climate emergency, two highly respected horticulturists, Claire Bishop and Ed Ikin, have been appointed to the Board of Trustees at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Following a thorough recruitment process earlier this year, the appointment of Claire Bishop and Ed Ikin was approved by the Scottish Government and announced by Dominic Fry, Chair of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. They are expected to join the next meeting of the Board of Trustees on September 24.
Plants and horticulture have always been important to Claire Bishop, who studied floristry and indoor plants in Glasgow, before owning her own flower design business. Part of the team at Dobbies Garden Centres for over 14 years, Claire is the senior buyer responsible for sourcing and buying houseplants and indoor pots, as well as bulbs and indoor grow-your-own products. For nine years, Claire has held a position on the assessment panel for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, notably as panel lead for six years. She also completed a three-year tenure as Chair of Assessor for all RHS shows.
An experienced horticulturist with a deep commitment to connecting people with nature, Ed Ikin FLI is Chief Executive of the Ernest Cook Trust, a leading educational charity, grant maker, and major landowner. Previously, Ed was Director of Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, where he led the creation of the American Prairie and the Nature Unlocked research programme. His earlier roles include Head Gardener at Nymans, the National Trust site in West Sussex and Assistant Head Gardener at Chelsea Physic Garden. Ed is a Fellow of the Landscape Institute, a Clore Leadership Fellow, and a former Chair of the London Gardens Trust. He holds the RHS Master of Horticulture and an MA in Garden History.
Commenting on the new appointments, Dominic Fry, Chair of the Board of Trustees said: “I am delighted that Claire and Ed have agreed to join our Board and am very much looking forward to meeting them again and to working with them.”
Claire and Ed join existing Trustees Dr Ian Jardine, Professor Sarah Gurr, Liz Trevor, Prof Cara Aitchison, Prof Elise Cartmell, Stella Morse, Gillian McCrum (Boardroom Apprentice 2025).
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the management of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and providing strategic guidance to the Senior Management Team. Trustees are appointed by Scottish Ministers for terms of four years, with the possibility of reappointment. The Board is accountable to Scottish Ministers through the Chair and is comprised of nine members.
Learn more about our Board of Trustees, leadership and governance at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.