One of Scotland’s most historic and environmentally friendly establishments has recently implemented a unique and innovative concept, with the launch of a new biodiversity and information centre for the public, together with a £89k state-of-the art kitchen and restaurant. The catering facilities were supplied and installed with the help of the country’s leading design, supply and installation specialists – Bunzl Lockhart Catering Equipment.

Bunzl Lockhart and its Design Services divisions, appear to be leading the field in the design, supply and installation of catering equipment in Scotland. They have recently completed major projects for the new Motherwell College site at Ravenscraig, the new Visitor Centre at Europe’s largest windfarm at Whitelee on Eaglesham Moor, the luxurious Turnberry Golf Resort on the Ayrshire Coast and now The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.  

“Ian Lawrie, Head of Facilities Management at the Royal Botanic Garden comments: “We put out a tender to key British companies with strong environmental credentials on the advice of our Project Team. We chose the Lockhart team as their environmental policy is very sound, as is their reputation for quality work and craftsmanship. They listened to what we had to say, took our ideas away and met our expectations, whilst being very respectful to our environmental concerns. They were able to demonstrate compassion for the building with their designs and to brief, whilst working to the highest standards and within budget. I would definitely work with the team again – in fact, they subsequently undertook some work for us at the Dawyck Botanic Garden.”

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) was founded in 1670 as a physic garden. Today, it extends over three further gardens – the mountainous Benmore in Argyll, Dawyck in the wooded hills of the Scottish Border and Logan on the southern peninsula of Dumfries & Galloway. The Edinburgh garden boasts a rich living collection of plants and is a world-renowned centre for plant science and education.

The recently opened John Hope Gateway, RBGE’s new biodiversity and information centre, is a shining example of green construction and sustainability – boasting eco-friendly features such as a bio-mass boiler, solar panels and rainwater collectors. The £15.7 million capital development has attracted funding from the Scottish Government (£10 million) and the Heritage Lottery Fund (£3.2 million), as well as more than £2 million from a number of companies, trusts and individuals.

The centre is named after Professor John Hope, a leading botanist and teacher who was Regius Keeper of the gardens in the 18th Century. It aims to provide visitors with an unrivalled facility to discover the world of plants and the scientific work of the Botanists through a unique set of interactive experiences, activities and events.

The state-of-the-art kitchen features Falcon cooking equipment with Rational combination ovens. Refrigeration is a combination of AHT who supplied refrigerated cabinets, whilst Storer Refrigeration provided a walk in cold room with a sliding door and remote compressor. Washware is by Winterhalter, who supplied a high capacity rack conveyor dishwash machine and undercounter glasswasher. All stainless steel sinks and tables were supplied by Ced.

Other facilities include an improved shop, education rooms and a central spiral staircase which winds out of the ground like a twisting tree root, mimicking the double-helix of a DNA strand. Visitors can also expect a ‘Real Life Science Studio’ permanent and temporary exhibitions, interactive media and a Botanics shop. The centre itself, part powered by a wind-turbine includes both staff and conference rooms, whilst the main floor of the building is used for exhibition space.

The first person to visit the centre at its recent opening was Alex Hope, a descendant of the eminent 18th century teacher and botanist after whom the building has been named. He was greeted by RBGE’s Regius Keeper Professor Stephen Blackmore, who presented him with a signed copy of his new book, Gardening the Earth – Gateways to a Sustainable Future.

Mr Hope Commented: “I wanted to be here today to see this wonderful new building but I did not expect to be the first person through its gates. It is an honour to have been greeted by Professor Blackmore and to be presented with a signed copy of his book.”

For further information call Bunzl Lockhart Catering Equipment on 01324 499 890 or visit www.bunzlce.com/lockhart_webstore