Great concern over University of Dundee, the future of the Botanic Garden and other services

Dundee Liberal Democrat councillors have said today that the proposed further job losses at the University of Dundee are totally unacceptable.

 West End Councillor Fraser Macpherson said:

“We have arranged to meet with the University's Interim Principal to discuss these proposals. We are also deeply concerned by reports about the future of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden, the Cooper Gallery, the Chaplaincy Centre and university nursery provision.”

 “We will do all we can to support efforts to retain jobs, prevent any further reduction in the university's workforce and protect these valued facilities and services.”

 “One issue that has generated enormous public concern is the future of the Botanic Garden. Although the university has made no public announcement about its future, it is understood that the university will no longer support the Garden beyond July 2027. It is also understood that this is subject to sufficient staff remaining in post, meaning the Garden could close earlier if staffing levels fall.”

 Fellow West End councillor Michael Crichton said:

  “The response from residents has been overwhelming and we are grateful to everyone who has been in touch. The number of signatures on petitions, together with the many messages we have received, demonstrate just how much the Botanic Garden means to people across Dundee and beyond. It is an invaluable educational, environmental and recreational asset that we should be striving to preserve.”

 The Botanic Garden is fortunate to have a dedicated and energetic Friends group and much community support.   Councillor Macpherson has been in discussion with a number of stakeholders to consider possible viable options that could allow the Garden to remain open in the longer term. While it is still too early to say what shape any solution might take, it seems increasingly likely that a sustainable future will require a strong community-led approach, working in partnership with others.

 Councillor Macpherson added:

“If individuals, organisations or businesses would like to help support that effort, we would be very pleased to hear from them. The University of Dundee is one of our city's most important institutions. Protecting jobs must be the immediate priority, but we must also do everything we can to safeguard important facilities like the Botanic Garden for future generations. We will continue to keep everyone updated as discussions progress.”