Momentum is growing under the campaign to raise funds for the development of a Tree Hub in Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Glasgow based indie pop band Belle and Sebastian are yet another high profile name to voice their support for the campaign to raise £100,000 for the project.

The appeal is aimed at the thousands of West Enders who use and enjoy the popular Gardens on a weekly basis. To make a donation visit www.glasgowbotanicgardens.com

The Tree Hub, a joint project between the Friends of Glasgow Botanics and the National Tree Collections of Scotland, will be a grand information point that links the city’s trees with other major tree collections in Scotland. From the Hub, people will be able to learn the hidden stories of the Garden’s trees and use the area as a place to relax and reflect. The Tree Hub is the centrepiece of a variety of tree additions including a new Tree Trail and staff in the gardens offering talks and tours that will bring the Gardens to life.

Belle and Sebastian drummer and Glasgow West End resident, Richard Colburn, is a frequent visitor to the Gardens:

“Glasgow Botanic Gardens is synonymous with the West End of the city and, like the trees, there’s so much diversity and vibrancy in the area. We played a big outdoor show in the gardens about 12 years ago and it was fantastic to play there.  It’s a peaceful space that anyone who’s lived nearby will definitely have enjoyed. It’s ideal for chilling out and get away from the traffic and urban life. The new Tree Hub is set to be an exciting addition to the Gardens and the stories behind the trees and their collectors will captivate people. Anyone who’s appreciated those Gardens should give what they can so we can enhance this important and so widely used space.”

Earlier this week, Hollywood actor and former West Ender Alan Cumming also backed the campaign. Similarly to Richard, Alan couldn’t get enough of the Gardens when he lived in the area and thinks the Tree Hub will be a welcome new focal point.

Alan said:

“Among other things, the Tree Hub is intended to act as an outdoor amphitheatre, further encouraging the artistic vibrancy of Glasgow’s thriving West End, as well as being a spectacular addition to daily life for the local community. It’s a great project and I hope all current West-Enders will get behind it.”

Tom Christian, Project Officer at National Tree Collections of Scotland, has been heavily involved in the development of the Tree Hub project and hopes to see members of the public ‘dig deep’ for the Gardens. He added:

“There are so many extraordinary stories in these gardens waiting to be told, which is why we’re so excited to be launching this appeal to make the tree hub a reality for the people of Glasgow.”

The public appeal was officially launched last Monday by TV presenter, Cat Cubie and The Friends of the Botanics.

How to Donate:

To make a donation, visit www.glasgowbotanicgardens.com/about-the-friends/donate/

For more information about Glasgow Botanic Gardens, visit www.glasgowbotanicgardens.com