A new £1.6m state-of-the art visitor centre has opened its doors at Dawyck Botanic Garden, near Stobo, in the Scottish Borders.

Funded by the Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Enterprise, the building is launched during the 30th anniversary year of Dawyck coming into the care of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and is the first bespoke facility of this nature within the organisation's four Gardens.

Officially opened on Wednesday, May 14, by Scottish Government Cabinet Minister for the Environment Richard Lochhead, the building is intended to both improve RBGE's ability to engage with members of the public and to bring added value to an important Borders tourist attraction, as Director of Horticulture, Dr David Rae, explained: "Dawyck is a wonderful Garden and the staff have worked really hard to develop the landscape and collections since it was gifted to the nation in 1978.

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"As visitor numbers increased over the years it became increasingly obvious that our facilities were failing to match the quality of the Gardens around them. Therefore, with an increased focus on improving the experience of our visitors, we took the decision that Dawyck should be the first of our Gardens to benefit from enhanced facilities."

Dr Rae's comments were echoed by Dawyck Curator David Knott, who commented: "This facility is an essential element of the continuing evolution of Dawyck as a botanic garden.

"While our key function is as a research and conservation institute, we also exist as a key tourist attraction in the area and, therefore, we must to provide our visitors with the best possible experience. This, in turn, also creates an opportunity to explain more about the work of RBGE in a relaxed and informal setting."

Designed by Simpson & Brown Architects of Edinburgh and developed by Borders Construction, the building sets out to be a model of environmental sustainability.

Floored with heat-retaining blue limestone, the interior is enhanced by oak frames, structural columns and ceiling beams.

The facility also enjoys the additional features of an external copper wall, designed to shimmer gently within the natural light of Dawyck's stunning arboretum, and attractive copper rain catchers and down pipes. All this is topped by an attractive, insulating roof, planted with a carpet of sedums.

Efficient under-floor heating is driven by a biomass boiler, fuelled by wood chips sourced from Buccleuch Estates, housed in the nearby workshops.

(GK/JM)