Floral Hall

A small botanic garden enclosed within a high stone wall in Bught Park in SW Inverness, the Floral Hall is located 1¼ miles (2 km) south southwest of the town centre next to Inverness Leisure Centre. Comprising two interconnected glasshouses; the smaller is planted with cactuses, while the other has sub-tropical species, including orchids, a pool stocked with Koi Carp, a waterfall and a fountain. An insect and reptile area is home to snakes, a giant millipede, giant hissing cockroaches, scorpions, a tarantula and various unusual beetles. Outside are a series of seasonal beds, herbaceous borders, specimen trees and shrubs, rhododendrons, a heather garden, herb garden, formal Japanese garden and sensory garden. Operated by Highland Council, the Floral Hall was opened by HRH Prince Edward in 1993 and is a popular with school-groups and as a venue for weddings. Local artists exhibit in the associated visitor centre.

Closely associated with the Bught Nursery, the garden has an important horticultural training function, with short- and long-term work placements, as well as working with those with learning difficulties. It also works with golf clubs in the Highlands and Elmwood College in Fife to train green-keepers.

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