Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh set to reopen as Scotland moves into phase two of easing lockdown measures

The gardens will open with social distancing measures but the glassehouses will stay closed for now

Social distancing strategies have been adopted to create a safe environment for visitors and staff at Inverleith which are temporary and include a one-way system on a number of Garden paths and some restrictions to access of other confined areas such as shops and toilets. Staff will be using PPE.

Time slots will be introduced to be booked in advance by visitors.

Time slots can be booked online from Wednesday, June 24. While admission to the garden remains free of charge, the temporary method of entry will enable staff to limit the number of visitors accessing the garden at any one time, gradually building capacity when all are comfortable the operational guidelines work. The Glasshouses will remain closed.

The Botanics will initially be open from 10am-5pm and capacity will be limited to 2,000 visitors a day.

To ensure personal distancing, entry will be through the Emergency Vehicle Access (EVA) Gate at Arboretum Place, to the south of the John Hope Gateway visitor centre, and the East Gate on Inverleith Row. Any queues will be managed to ensure a smooth flow into the garden.

Regius Keeper Simon Milne MBE explained: “We look forward to welcoming back visitors to all four Gardens. This connection with the environment is vital for the well-being of all. With the safety of our staff and visitors remaining our prime concern, we have amended operations on all sites to introduce measures that should build trust and confidence.

“Lockdown has been a difficult time for everyone, caution is widespread and life will remain away from what we regard as normal for some time. Travel restrictions remain in place and, for the immediate future, all four Gardens will be restricted to welcoming their local communities. However, this is a first hugely important step in our return to extended outreach.

“It is heartening visitors enjoyed following us online while the gates were closed and we hope they will continue to do so. However, the benefits of real time interaction with the natural environment are unsurpassable. We ask for everyone’s patience, understanding and support as we resume operations steadily and in a way that works for everyone.”