The challenges and triumphs of restoring the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s A-listed Palm Houses, part of Scotland’s magnificent built heritage, were some of the topics for discussion during a visit to the Garden by students from The University of Edinburgh’s School of Architecture.

The 11 students, specialising in the MSc in Conservation Architecture, were on a quest to learn more about these outstanding examples of late Georgian and Victorian engineering and the challenges faced by experts as they restore the almost 200-year-old buildings.

Led by Dr Dimitris Theodossopoulos, Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology and Conservation, the students first met Jamie Bateman, lead conservation architect with Smith Scott Mullan, to gain a unique insight into the preservation of the Palm Houses’ decaying ironwork, crumbling stone and inefficient glass. The presentation was followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the hard-hat site with Amy Murray, Head of Edinburgh Biomes programme and Alasdair Gordon, Senior Design Manager with lead contractor Balfour Beatty.

Dr Theodossopoulos said: “This was a unique opportunity for our students to see conservation architecture in action: from the specific functions and needs of working Palm Houses to the restoration of Victorian ironwork and the installation of new glazing.

“The knowledge they acquired today will help create the Conservation Architects of the future.”

Amy Murray added: “It was so encouraging to see the students learn from our specialists’ actual experience of restoring these A-listed structures and witness the enormous progress that has already been made.

“These historic buildings are not just of unique architectural significance but are also home to a priceless Living Collection under glass. By saving the Palm Houses, we will also save this vital resource in our battle against global biodiversity loss.”

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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.