Photo opportunity 1pm, Saturday 24 March, Botanic Garden, Riverside Drive, Dundee.
The Botanic Garden at the University of Dundee has had a 70% rise in the number of visitors since the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease. Walkers who are abandoning the hills and countryside have opted for the rural island in the centre of the city to take the air and enjoy the trees and shrubbery.
Curator of the Botanic Garden Alasdair Hood said: "It is great that people who usually take to the hills can still take their exercise in similar surroundings. Although these are unfortunate circumstances, many people are visiting the Botanic Garden for the first time, are enjoying the rural atmosphere that they find and will hopefully return to visit us again."
Head of the School of Town and Regional Planning at the University of Dundee Professor Greg Lloyd said: "Recent research from the Scottish Executive stresses the importance of open spaces in the renaissance of urban areas. Open space fosters personal, neighbourhood and community objectives and encourages sustainable development. This is especially important in Dundee at the moment as the city redefines itself. The Botanic Garden is an important landmark in Dundee."
The Botanic Garden is holding a Kids' Day tomorrow from 10am -4pm as part of National Science Week. There will be plant growing competitions, plant notions and potions, computer animations and activities under cover. The cost is £1.50 and all are welcome.
The Botanic Garden is open from 10am - 4.30pm every day with the coffee shop serving drinks, snacks and lunches from 10am -4pm.
Contact Alasdair Hood 01382 647190