Iraqi marshlands weaver to work on Botanics show

Published on 08/04/2012 00:00

THE Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will host a traditional weaver from the marshes of southern Iraq to create authentic exhibits for a major new display project.

Botanists intend to bring over the expert to transform reeds native to Scotland into structures for the garden’s flagship exhibition this year. The visitor attraction will also transport a traditional reed boat for the display.

The Centre for Middle Eastern Plants, based at the Botanics, is working with conservation charity Nature Iraq to rebuild the eco-system of the Iraqi marshlands which were drained by Saddam Hussein in the 1990s.

Scholars regard the area south of Basra as the location of the Garden of Eden. Scotland on Sunday accompanied director Tony Miller and a team to Iraq to see their work in restoring the area.

The Paradise Restored exhibition, runs from August until November at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.