George Sherriffs, acquisitions librarian at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), will embark on an amazing ultramarathon challenge on Tuesday 23 April, aiming to run 356 miles between all four of Scotland's Royal Botanic Gardens, ending back in Edinburgh a week later.

Originally scheduled for 2020 to coincide with RBGE's 350th Anniversary celebrations, Covid and logistical issues delayed it until now. Beginning at Benmore, near Dunoon, he will run to Logan, near Stranraer, across to Dawyck, near Peebles, before visiting the previous Edinburgh sites of RBGE and finishing at the Inverleith Garden at noon on the 30th.

He hopes that the challenge will help raise awareness of the work that goes on behind the scenes at the Gardens. Not just lovely places to visit, they are also the centres of vital scientific, conservation and biodiversity research.

George says: "The inspiration for this came one dark November evening in 2019 whilst doing the ironing. My colleagues, in preparation for the 350th had been writing scientific papers, books, giving public talks, etc.  I had been wondering what I could do to contribute to this occasion, when it clicked 'I can run.'

"My experience of doing multi-day marathons at the Brathay 10in10, along with having enjoyed several ultramarathons, gave me the confidence that I can do this. Planning has evolved over the intervening years and the route and logistics are now set. I can't wait to get started, (and finished). I look forward to enjoying each day whatever the Scottish weather presents us with."

George is also raising money for RBGE to combat biodiversity loss in Scotland, and to aid the schools and horticultural education programmes run at each Garden. Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate, and this is your chance to help.

People are welcome to come along to ensure there's a warm welcome as George arrives at, and leaves each garden. Local runners are also encouraged to join in and run as little or as long as they wish. Dates as below:

• Benmore: Mon 22nd 3pm ceremony / Tues 23rd April begin run at 8am
• Logan: Friday 26 April 11am. 
• Dawyck: Monday 29 April 2pm. 
• Edinburgh: Tuesday 30 April (10:30am Holyrood, 11am Waverley, 11:30am Hopetoun Crescent & 12 noon RBGE). 

For more information, or to donate, visit the JustGiving page here.

Image: George Sherriffs