Conservation & Heritage Issue 50 Winter 2025/Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 122
“This project is a wonderful opportunity for conservation;
in one project helping to safeguard both the historical
environment and the Living Collection. By restoring the
Palm Houses and making them more energy efficient, the
buildings will continue to protect rare species of plant life,
housed in a remarkable building, for new and returning
visitors to the botanic gardens for generations to come.”
Simon Milne, MBE, Regius Keeper, Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh said: “We are immensely grateful to Historic
Environment Scotland for the award of £500,000 towards the
restoration of our much-loved Palm Houses. Our Victorian
Palm House in particular is an iconic architectural landmark
for the Garden, Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland, and
this significant award will serve to protect this masterpiece of
engineering for generations to come.”
Above, Palmhouse window installation
“By funding the restoration of these magnificent buildings,
HES will also help protect and showcase the many beautiful
and fascinating plants they house, some of which are
endangered in their native habitats.”
“At a time when 40 per cent of all known plants are under
threat, this important grant will secure the care of a unique
Living Collection of plants and give a new generation of
visitors the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by the
beauty and splendour of the natural world.”
Above, ironwork specialists start to remove the first arched window from the
Temperate Palm House
In addition to support from Historic Environment Scotland,
the Palm Houses are being restored thanks to backing from
the Scottish Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund,
Garfield Weston Foundation and other supporters.
Learn more about the Edinburgh Biomes project and how
you can support our ongoing fundraising efforts.
www.rbge.org.uk/news/edinburgh-biomes/
Above, final touches are made to the new cornice stone
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