Botanics boss blasts plan for new bakery stall outside gates

Published on Wednesday 29 September 2010 15:58

PLANS for a cake stall at the entrance to the Royal Botanic Garden have angered bosses at the tourist attraction.

Businesswoman Julia Clarke wants to set up the stall next to the West Gate entrance to the Botanics at Arboretum Place.

The proposal has provoked a furious response from Professor Stephen Blackmore, regius keeper at the Gardens.

He has written to council leader Jenny Dawe telling her his "serious concerns" about the proposal and urging her to step in and ensure that councillors do not grant a licence for the stall.

He believes that the appearance of a street trader would have an impact on the commercial performance of the Botanics, and on the visual appeal of the attraction, especially the new John Hope Gateway visitor information centre, which includes a restaurant.

In his letter, Professor Blackmore said: "RBGE (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh) is a non-departmental body, sponsored and supported financially by the Rural and Environment Research Analysis Directorate. In addition to our grant-in-aid funding, RERAD has invested 10 million to allow RBGE to construct first class facilities at the west gate to the garden.

"The recently opened John Hope Gateway permits us to communicate our world-renowned scientific research and provides first-class hospitality to our national and international visitors. Part of the investment was to assist RBGE to generate income through commercial activities, primarily retail and catering.

"Whilst I fully appreciate the commercial imperative for the City of Edinburgh Council to generate additional revenue, I anticipate that any licence granted to a street trader in the immediate vicinity of the west gate would detract significantly from both the visual appeal of the Gateway and the performance of our own commercial activity."

Ms Clarke's application for a street traders licence is due to be discussed by councillors on the licensing sub-committee at a meeting in the City Chambers tomorrow.

She had initially applied to be at the entrance to the Botanics but adapted her plans to be "30 feet to the left of the entrance".

In an e-mail to licensing officials, she said that the slight change to the proposed position of her stall was because written consent is required from the owners of property adjacent to the intended trading stance.

Prof Blackmore was also angry that he was not informed by the council about the application. He said: "My knowldege of this application was not gained by formal notification from the council, but through a chance remark made to one of my staff. I object very strongly to such an application and regret I was not made aware of its existence before now."

It is understood that Cllr Dawe has responded to the letter but said that it is up to the licensing sub-committee to come to a decision.

A council spokesman said: "It has to go through the proper processes and Cllr Dawe said it is a matter for the committee."