HUNDREDS OF pupils will still be able to enjoy tours of Dundee’s botanic garden thanks to a deal announced yesterday, writes Grant Smith, education reporter.

The garden is owned by Dundee University, which has been trying to cut its running costs as part of a multi-million savings package. Dundee College has now stepped in to pay the salary of education officer Dr Neil Paterson for a year, so the educational programme can continue.

No decision has been taken, however, on whether this support will extend beyond 12 months.

In the last year about 1600 pupils from Tayside and Fife have visited the 9.5-hectare garden and its wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers from around the world.

Tours can help them with biology and environmental studies, such as understanding the structure of plants and the impact of people on threatened species.

Garden curator Alasdair Hood said, “I feel this partnership can only benefit both parties and more importantly it is very good news for the garden and our activities here. Dundee College has a strong horticultural presence in the city and the use of the garden will help enhance its own teaching programmes.”

Grant Ritchie, college assistant principal, said he was looking forward to developing its “exciting partnership” with the university. Groups wishing to take part in the education programme should contact Dr Paterson on Dundee 381192.

A university spokesman said, “It has been a busy summer at the botanic garden, with plenty of visitors to the gardens, the art gallery and the coffee shop, and it has again proved popular for weddings and other functions.”

The university wants to cut its annual budget for the garden from £200,000 to £75,000. Staff numbers looking after the garden and green spaces on the campus have been cut by a third.

Earlier this year Dundee City Council announced it was giving the garden a grant of more than £90,000. Volunteers from the Friends of the Botanic Garden have also helped to raise money.

The university is trying to save £1.9 million during the 2008/09 financial year as it seeks to shift its budget towards a 3% annual surplus by 2010/11. Course changes and staff cuts have taken place, with more than 100 staff leaving under voluntary severance.