Community-led rescue plan being explored for Dundee Botanic Garden
- Andrew Batchelor
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A community-led future for the University of Dundee Botanic Garden is being explored as efforts continue to save the popular attraction from its proposed closure.
As per The Herald, West End councillors Fraser Macpherson and Michael Crichton have confirmed they are speaking with stakeholders about possible alternative operating models that could allow the garden to remain open after the University of Dundee plans to cease running it in July 2027.
The proposed closure forms part of the university’s wider cost-saving plans following its financial crisis. Since the plans were announced, the future of the Botanic Garden has become one of the most debated issues, with a petition opposing its closure attracting more than 20,000 signatures.
The councillors believe there could be opportunities for the garden to be run by another organisation, pointing to examples elsewhere in Scotland where botanic gardens operate under different management models.
Fraser Macpherson said there was significant public support for preserving the garden and confirmed he had raised the issue with Interim Principal Professor Nigel Seaton. He said he had been assured the university would not stand in the way if another organisation was able to take on the site.
Recently elected Dundee City West MSP Heather Anderson has also backed efforts to secure a long-term future for the garden, describing it as an important asset for both conservation and community engagement.
Dundee Culture has helped raise awareness of the campaign to save the garden, welcomed the discussions.
It’s encouraging to see community-led options being explored. From the conversations I’ve had over the past few weeks, it’s clear the situation is complex and involves a number of stakeholders. If an alternative model is possible, it will need to be carefully planned and sustainable for the long term.
The University of Dundee has said it is continuing to explore alternative options for the future of the Botanic Garden while discussions continue.
