A fantastic response from the community has helped the campaign to restore the A-listed Palm Houses at the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), as donations from the public passed £50,000. With private donors pledging to match each pound given – doubling the impact of each donation – the appeal has reached the impressive milestone of £100,000.

Now, the race is on to achieve the campaign target of raising £250,000 from the community before the buildings are handed back to the care of the Garden in 2025.

Launched at Easter, the appeal to Save the Palm Houses has even attracted celebrity endorsement from wildlife presenter Kate Humble and garden designer and presenter Arit Anderson.

The Palm Houses restoration programme is the first stage of the Garden’s landmark Edinburgh Biomes development project and aims to rejuvenate the two historic buildings. Built in 1834 and 1856, the Palm Houses are outstanding examples of late Georgian and Victorian engineering but at nearly 200 years old, the fabric of the buildings had become badly eroded and in desperate need of repair.

Essential restoration work began in 2022 and incredible progress is already being made. Gifts from the public will help support the ongoing repair of the crumbling sandstone, restoration of the structural ironwork and replacement of glass with new, more energy efficient and robust panes.

Emma Lacroix, Director of Development and Communications said: “This is a fantastic moment in our campaign, and we are immensely grateful for all the support we’ve received towards the restoration of these magnificent buildings.

“Supporting the appeal won’t just secure the care of a unique Living Collection of plants, some of which are endangered in their native habitats, but will also save an important part of Scotland’s architectural heritage. It will back the creation of an exciting new unified space, providing both returning and a new generation of visitors with the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by the splendour of the natural world.”

The restoration of the Palm Houses is also being supported by the Scottish Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Historic Environment Scotland, amongst others, as well as many individuals.

Find out how you too can help Save the Palm Houses.