The Botanic Gardens is one of Glasgow’s many parks (we have a larger proportion of green space than any other city in the UK), but is probably the most charming – and opposite Belhaven Terrace. Bounded on the north bank by woodland and the River Kelvin, this is a regular habitat for Kingfishers and Dippers. The centrepiece is “Kibble Palace”, the remarkable glasshouse designed by engineer John Kibble in 1873.

During the summer months the gardens host evening theatre and events and it is always a popular picnic place but it is in the winter landscape, when the exotic forms of the glasshouses contrast with snow and frost, that the greatest drama unfolds.

The Kibble Palace itself is about to be renovated in a project which will invest £8m to assure the future of one of the world’s finest glass houses. Major work on the refurbishment will not begin until next spring with expected completion in 2006.