A popular Fife attraction at the centre of a funding crisis could yet enjoy a bright future following a series of negotiations between interested parties.
The Courier understands the group will report its findings in the autumn. Mr Waterston said there was also “substantial discussion” around the idea of putting some parts of the grounds up for sale to raise capital. “It was recognised that it might be unavoidable, but the issue needs very careful consideration and any decisions will await further deliberation when more information is available,” the councillor said. Mr Waterston is confident of a “viable future” for the attraction. “The Botanic Garden is much loved by the people of St Andrews, and there is substantial apprehension about the uncertainties ahead,” he said. “However, it is clear that both the university and the council are committed to ensuring a viable future for the garden and the wonderful asset that it is. “We are looking ahead positively and realistically, and the sub-group will be working hard over the summer to bring forward more detailed proposals regarding the formation of the new trust.” St Andrews Botanic Garden, established at Bassaguard in 1960, has been managed by the council since 1987 and costs £300,000 a year to run. Environmental consultancy Natural Capital, which was previously commissioned to review the garden, recommended a “partnership model” of management, with funding from the council, university and a charitable, community or commercial organisation. Its report said current operational arrangements are weak and a lack of strategic direction and investment have caused stagnation in recent years. It also criticised limited public awareness of the facility’s existence. It suggests a cafe, a more substantial plant sales outlet and greater use of the garden for events could provide extra income and that an attractive pedestrian gateway from the town centre may attract more visitors.
Last month The Courier revealed the future of the Botanic Gardens in St Andrews was in the balance after Fife Council said it is unable to continue supporting it at current levels.
St Andrews University, which owns the land, is unwilling to make up the shortfall.
But Councillor Robin Waterston has revealed efforts to secure the gardens’ future have taken a “step forward” but warned a sale of at least part of the site may be “unavoidable”.
He spoke out following a joint meeting of the garden committee and botanic gardens education trust. Chaired by Mr Waterston, the meeting considered proposals by Stephen Magee of the university and Grant Ward of Fife Council surrounding the possible formation of a new trust to take over the running of the gardens.
Although a potential solution, they warn that the background of the severe financial squeeze on all public agencies means innovative thinking and more efficient ways of working will be required.
Mr Magee and Mr Ward emphasised the determination of both bodies to ensure the future of the garden as a highly valued public facility, but also warned change is inevitable.
They agreed their common goal is to promote a sustainable future through “sympathetic and carefully managed” development. The meeting agreed to support the principle of a trust, and to take this forward by forming a sub-group to do a more detailed “options appraisal.”
The sub-group has now been asked to look at various trust models and to arrange an audit of the botanical value of each element of the garden which recently received an improved ‘excellent’ rating from VisitScotland. Members will then consider possible sources of both capital and revenue funding.
Continued…