UK: On Her Majesty's Botanical Service

16.09.10

The Regius Keeper of Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RGBE), Professor Stephen Blackmore, has been conferred as Her Majesty's Botanist in Scotland in a ceremony on 13 September.

This ancient office was first bestowed in 1699 to James Sutherland and is nearly as old as RGBE itself, which dates back to 1670. In more modern times Prof. Blackmore has led the historic institution from strength to strength while also committing to work on conservation projects overseas. RBGE is now a certified world leader in horticulture and botanical science, while simultaneously building an enviable reputation in education, public events, and the arts.

Two men in suits shaking hands and smiling at the camera

Prof. Blackmore receiving the award from the chairman of RBBE's Board of Trustees, Sir George Mathewson CBE, LLD, FRSE.

Three men in suits looking at the Royal warrant in a smart room

Dr. David Rae, Director of Horticulture, joins Prof. Blackmore and Sir George Mathewson to read over the Royal Warrant.

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Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Global: World's first society for fungal conservation

02.09.10

Brightly coloured fungi in grasslandA group of scientists that met at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh (RBGE) recently have inaugurated the world’s first society for the conservation of fungi.