A NEW public attraction inspired by a 17th-century herb garden is to be created at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Royal Collection Trust has announced plans for the Edinburgh garden inspired by a “physic” or medicinal garden that was once based in the grounds of the palace.
The first of its kind in Scotland, it was created to teach students about the medicinal properties of plants and to provide pharmacists with fresh materials.
The new attraction will be created in the area behind the Abbey Strand buildings and will have raised flowerbeds laid out in a geometric pattern, reflecting the design of early botanic gardens.
Royal Collection Trust director Jonathan Marsden said: “The return of scientific gardening to the place of its birth in Scotland will provide a new focus of interest for palace visitors, for the local community and especially, we hope, for young people.
"It forms an important part of our plans to make more of the palace’s surroundings and will provide a family-friendly space moments from the Royal Mile.”
The gardens have had a number of uses over the centuries. During the time of Mary, Queen of Scots they included areas for jousting, hunting, hawking and archery. At another, they housed a menagerie with tigers, lynx, bears, a lion and a camel.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here