Partnership with Young Scot will encourage young people to take advantage of gardens, and connect with conservation

In a move to make garden visits more accessible to the people of Scotland, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has introduced a new low-cost entry ticket for young people and those on Universal Credit/Pension Credit, inviting them to visit its sites at Dawyck (Scottish Borders), Logan (Dumfries & Galloway), and Benmore (Argyll) for the reduced price of just £1*.

The offer will be launched, in partnership with Young Scot, across all three Gardens by March 1, 2024, when the sites will be fully open for the busy spring and summer seasons.   

With entry to Edinburgh already free, the introduction of low-cost tickets is an extension of RBGE’s commitment to being inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all. Given the increasing cost of living, these discounted tickets offer young people, and many others for whom the entry fee would be a barrier to visiting, affordable access to explore the Gardens in all their glory.  

Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Raoul Curtis-Machin said: “Being close to nature has never been more important, whether it be to learn about the work being done to conserve our fragile planet, to gain the health benefits of being in open spaces, or simply enjoy landscaped grounds.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for many more people to visit our beautiful Gardens this spring and summer for a pocket-friendly price. Whether it’s to see the magnificent mountainside garden at Benmore, the stunning walled garden and sub-tropical species at Logan, or to wander in Dawyck’s world-renowned arboretum, we hope that many more visitors will take advantage of the diverse array of outdoor experiences on offer. 

“As well as having a great day exploring or attending exhibitions, workshops and tours, visitors will also be supporting the vital conservation work undertaken by RBGE to the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. It is fundamental to our ethos that as many people as possible can participate in that experience.”

Studies show that consistent engagement in nature significantly boosts mental well-being. In 2023, a visitor survey at the Logan Botanic Garden supported this, revealing that 30% of visitors came for walking and exercise, while 17% visited to socialise with family and friends. This reinforces the Garden’s role in promoting health and well-being through social and recreational activities.

Young Scot will be promoting the offer to all Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders. The organisation’s chief executive, Kirsten Urquhart said: “We know the positive impact spending time outside can have on wellbeing and happiness and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - with sites across Scotland - providing access to all their sites for just £1 is an amazing opportunity for young people to access positive experiences in spaces where they can connect and have fun. 

It is imperative that we all work towards eliminating barriers for all young people. By collaborating with RGBE and creating these opportunities we are continuing to open up healthy, inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences for young people via the Young Scot National Entitlement Card.”

Some of the activities that visitors can experience this spring include the breathtaking Snowdrop Walks taking place at Dawyck each Sunday until  March 10, as the Garden participates in this year’s Scottish Snowdrop Festival. In Logan, visitors can look forward to the exciting Drum for Fun event on May 16, where the Stranraer Drumming Group will fill the exotic Walled Garden with their vivacious beats. If it’s peace and quiet visitors are after, Benmore offers a chance to relax and enjoy the serenity of its Silent Spaces. Whether it be in the Golden Gates Arboretum, enjoying the quiet company of the giant conifers, or a perch on the hillside of Rhododendrons, visitors are welcome to indulge in a spot of mindfulness while enjoying the spectacular view.

For more details regarding opening times please visit https://www.rbge.org.uk/.