After five years of meticulous restoration, Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden’s Palm Houses reopened to the public on 2 October 2026, marking a significant milestone in preserving one of the world’s most biodiverse plant collections. The work ensured the survival of nearly all of the original sandstone and wrought iron shell, while safeguarding the historic 19th-century structures.
The 21st-century restoration, which began in 2021, took five years to complete. Edinburgh’s historic Palm House, designed by local practice Smith Scott Mullan, features the world’s tallest traditional stone-built Palm House. The restoration preserved nearly all of the original sandstone and wrought iron shell, with modern materials used to ensure longevity. The project also included the temporary relocation of hundreds of plant species, including the critically endangered Valdivia gayana, which was planted in the restored space as part of the reopening ceremony.
Restoration Challenges and Botanical Triumphs
The restoration faced unique challenges, including the loss of a 200-year-old Sabal palm, which could not be transplanted and was replaced by a seedling. David Knott, the director of horticulture at the Botanic Garden, noted the difficulty of the decision but expressed hope that the new palm would thrive in the taller glasshouse: Hopefully, because we've planted it in this glass house which is a bit taller than where it was previously, hopefully it will last a bit longer than the previous one did.
Prof Julia Knights, the regius keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, emphasized the importance of the Palm Houses in conserving species at risk of extinction. This is a truly historic moment for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh as we welcome visitors to explore our magnificent Palm Houses once again
she said.
The Palm Houses now serve as a vital refuge for plants like the Catkin yew and the Three Kings vine. The restoration also included modernizing infrastructure, with 5,750 panes of glass replaced. Sadie Barber, the glasshouse curator at RBGE, noted that we’ve had plants that have essentially been decapitated by falling bits of glass
when wind exceeds 30mph.
A Global Conservation Effort
The project’s success has drawn praise from climate officials, including Gillian Martin, the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for climate action, who called it a powerful reminder of the value of investing in our natural and cultural heritage.
The reopening also highlights the Garden’s role in global conservation, with scientists using the facilities to pioneer technologies like DNA barcoding and to study plant biodiversity. Founded by two physicians in 1670 to teach doctors about medicinal plants, RBGE has evolved into a key institution for plant research, housing 13,500 species from 152 countries.
The Garden’s efforts underscore its commitment to combating biodiversity loss and climate change. With over 13,500 plant species in its living collection, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh continues to serve as a critical hub for conservation, education, and scientific discovery. The propagation of rare species like the lion plant (Valdivia gayana), known as planta del león
in its native Chile, is part of this work.
Next Phase: Expanding Conservation Efforts
While the Palm Houses’ restoration is complete, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has already begun planning the next phase of its project, which aims to overhaul research glasshouses. This second stage, estimated to cost £65m, will focus on protecting 3,000 more plants, some of which are now extinct in the wild. Prof Knights, who described the project as a major milestone,
noted that fundraising for the second phase will begin as soon as possible.
The next phase includes plans for a sustainable energy centre using ground source heat pumps, which could take around three years to complete.
The reopening of the Palm Houses was marked by the planting of the endangered lion plant (Valdivia gayana) from Chile, with Gillian Martin, the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for climate action, joining Professor Julia Knights to commemorate the event. The restored space now features a new visitor experience, featuring multimedia and multisensory digital tours, to share the stories of the plants. Tickets for the Palm Houses are available online, with allocated time slots regularly available throughout each day. The Garden’s commitment to preserving biodiversity remains central to its mission, ensuring that its historic structures continue to protect and showcase Earth’s plant life for future generations.