Nominee Summary
Logan Botanic Garden was established in 1969 and is one of the regional gardens of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. We are a 15-acre garden and a major and unique tourist destination offering an exceptional and immersive visitor experience. We occupy a unique location attracting people to this overlooked corner of South-West Scotland. Logan is an integral part of the community, employing 9 people all year round and a further 12 on a seasonal basis. Our visitor numbers have grown from 18,000 in 2011 to over 30,000 in 2024 and we enjoy the moniker of ‘Scotland’s most exotic Garden’
What makes your nominee stand out?
Logan is not just a stunning tourist attraction but is a botanic garden playing a vital role in conservational horticulture. It is the only garden of its kind in Southwest Scotland and the mild climate enables southern hemisphere plants to thrive, making this a sub-tropical paradise. In 2024 the Puya alpestris flowered at Logan, the first time ever in Scotland. Logan received 5* accreditation by ASVA, the Scottish Hospitality Awards ‘Family Venue of the Year’ in June 2025 and ‘Best Garden in the UK’ by Which? magazine. Logan is an integral part of the community, working in partnership with community groups and residents. During Schools week over 400 local schoolchildren visit for free, many of whom would not otherwise have an opportunity to visit. Transport subsidies are also available to schools. We have recently been awarded funding, enabling us to take on a Modern Apprentice. This is an exciting and great opportunity for a local young person. We support the economy , employing up to 25 local people and up to 30 volunteers each year. As a tourist destination we attract local, national and international visitors to this remote part of Scotland, whose spending benefits other local businesses. We are currently in discussions with SOSE regarding further developments to the Logan infrastructure and development of a new Visitors’ Centre which will benefit the local economy, from the initial construction, using local firms, to the finished product which can be used as a community hub for the benefit of all.
Changes that have been implemented
We recognise the cost-of-living crisis and aim to attract visitors with our attractive family entry prices. New entry level pricing was introduced last year costing £1 for families in receipt of universal credit and for under 25s who have a Young Scots card. We continue to offer free entry for under 16s and essential carers. We developed an extension to our car park with spaces for a further 60 vehicles leading to a higher number of visitors. Over the last 2 years we have been increasing energy efficiency switching to electrical tools and garden vehicles. Our 4 electrical vehicle charging points are free to use, incentivising visitors to arrive in electric vehicles. Logan Botanic Garden’s sustainability practices are an integral part of our daily operations and key to future proofing the business. In March 2026 we led a climate change workshop in partnership with D & G Climate change hub and Net Zero Scotland to promote this critical issue. Our conservatory, powered by air source heat pumps, was the first all green public glasshouse in the UK and recent installations of 32 Kw/h solar installations all contribute towards reducing our carbon footprint securing the future of the planet. Developments in 2024 enabled us to hold our first wedding and we have future weddings booked in. This provides a boost to the local economy with visitors spending in hotels, restaurants and shops. In 2025 we built a new bridge allowing scooters and wheelchairs more accessibility into the steeper Woodland Garden
Overcoming challenges
The cost of living crisis has resulted in a reduction in visitor numbers and we counteract this by offering an enhanced visitor experience. Staff training is an imperative part of the visitor experience ensuring all staff interact in a professional and exemplary way. We are aware of the importance of personalising the visitor experience for each visitor and can provide custom made guided tours if required. We obtain feedback and act on it. We promote the community and general area to attract people back and welcome new visitors. We publicise Logan’s prime location on the ‘Scottish Riviera’ which is advantageous to many other local businesses including restaurants, hotels and shops. We have recently featured on TV and in many national publications. We work as an integral part of the community and in 2026 we hosted a social gathering of local people and have guided walks every 2 weeks which many local people attend. Funding is an ongoing issue and we have been successful in obtaining funding for an apprentice and in the last 2 years together with general donations which make a key difference in maintaining and developing the garden. We aim to meet and overcome challenges to ensure future success.
