Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh unveils 1 pound ticket with Young Scot

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in partnership with Young Scot will encourage young people to take advantage of gardens, and connect with conservation for the reduced price of just £1.

Article Source: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Last Updated: 23 February 2024 13:02

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/

* Full-price adult entry tickets for Dawyck, Logan and Benmore are £10 (which include a small voluntary donation to the Garden). Standard price tickets are £9.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Roxy Lanes Launch Student Discounts

Roxy Lanes, the ‘Booze & Ball Games’ venues, have launched a new selection of student discounts, available to claim through an exclusive student loyalty scheme, every Sunday to Thursday.

Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland

The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.

Local Social Enterprise Tackling Youth Food Poverty on National Food Bank Day

On National Food Bank Day, Edinburgh Food Social invites the community to join in their mission of empowering children through essential food education.

Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld

Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!

Lannan to host Midweek Recipes pop up by Jess Elliott

On Thursday 26th September, Lannan - Darcie Maher's Stockbridge bakery - will host a pop-up by Jess Elliott Dennison, food writer and founder of Elliott's, in celebration of Jess's new book.

The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go

Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?

Freshers... this bar NEEDS to be on your bucket list

What better way to break the ice with your new flatmates than with some competitive fun and few drinks? Cue Social Darts at Flight Club!

Social Bite joins The Pitt with dessert pop up

Leading homelessness charity Social Bite today announced their dessert pop-up as the newest addition to an exciting line up of local food businesses at The Pitt, Granton.

Unique venue offers the perfect stage

Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.

Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities

Students go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.

Nigerian eatery to celebrate anniversary with weekend festivities in Edinburgh

Bongou Cafe, Edinburgh's cherished Nigerian eatery, will commemorate its fifth anniversary this weekend with a celebration and a series of exciting culinary developments!

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh kicks off the semester with a new bar menu just for students

With a valid student ID, students throughout the capital can enjoy a range of bar bites and drinks to welcome them back to university.

NEW OPENING: The Shore, Edinburgh welcomes the arrival of Mara

The Shore district in Edinburgh has welcomed the arrival of Mara, a new relaxed waterside drinking spot anchored in Old Leith.

Edinburgh Cocktail Week returns for 2024 with its most exciting lineup to date

Featuring a 10-day programme of new experiences and festival features that promises to raise the bar for cocktail enthusiasts and fun-seeking festival goers across the country.

Tickets now on sale for Moulin Rouge! The Musical! at The Edinburgh Playhouse

Tickets are now on sale for the only Scottish dates to be announced for the first ever world tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Savour the iconic streets of Tokyo on a transformative six course culinary adventure with Six by Nico

Conceptual dining experience Six by Nico will transports guests to the vibrant streets of the Japanese capital with their next innovative tasting menu, Tokyo!

Fudge Kitchen staycation activities with FREE fudge for the whole family!

Whether you're exploring Edinburgh's attractions or looking for a sweet pit-stop, Fudge Kitchen's welcoming atmosphere and mouth-watering fudge are sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages.

Edinburgh bartenders announce the best pubs and bars in the capital ahead of new awards

After thousands of votes were cast for the inaugural Edinburgh Bar Awards, the top venues in Edinburgh's vibrant bar scene have been announced today.

Scottish Borders winter light trail, Monteviot Lights, returns for a second year

Prepare to be enchanted once again this winter as Monteviot Lights returns to Monteviot House & Gardens!

Join the Discoveries Panel at the Edinburgh Womens Fiction Festival

Aspiring writers and literature enthusiasts, prepare to embark on an enlightening journey into the world of publishing at the Edinburgh Women's Fiction Festival.

Social Bite encourages Scotland to hop, skip or jump to help end homelessness

Participants can choose any novel way of racking up 100 miles this September to help raise crucial funds for those who need it most in the UK.

New Creative Director aiming to put the skip into The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and honour its roots for 75th anniversary

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s new Creative Director says bringing the music to 'life' and putting the 'skip' into the performances are the key aims of his new role.

The Aesthetics Club will open its doors in Stockbridge this autumn

A medical aesthetics clinic is bringing two cutting-edge treatments and Hailey Bieber's favourite skin care brand to Edinburgh as part of its recent expansion.

Scotland Women visit Edinburgh Zoo ahead of The Vodafone Series

Ahead of an action-packed September for the Scotland Women’s rugby team, players Chloe Rollie, Rhona Lloyd and Eva Donaldson visited the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo.

Entertainers launch brand new Michael Jackson tribute show, Man in the Mirror

Today, on what would have been Michael Jackson's 66th Birthday, entertainers launch their brand-new show; Man in the Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson.

Annual Salvesen Lecture at University of Edinburgh will address ADHD in Women and Girls

Distinguished Senior Consultant Physician and psychiatrist Lotta Borg Skoglund will present groundbreaking research which challenges outdated views on female ADHD.