The Cruickshank Botanic Garden has been an important part of the University of Aberdeen’s Old Aberdeen campus for over 125 years after being founded in 1898 thanks to a generous gift of land from Miss Anne Cruickshank (1820-1911), in memory of her brother Dr Alexander Cruickshank.
Anne wanted the Garden to help further the study of science and was determined that it should be open and free to enter for everyone. It exists to promote an appreciation of the beauty, diversity and importance of plants, and an understanding of their role in the natural world.
Over the next 70 years, more areas of land were purchased and today the Garden, a partnership between the University and the Cruickshank Charitable Trust, covers 11 acres. It features an arboretum, sunken garden, herbaceous border, and much much more.
A very exciting new addition to the Garden, planned to open later in 2026, is the Anne H Cruickshank Observatory (ACO), the University’s new astronomical observatory. Construction is taking place within the grounds of the Garden and the project is coinciding with the 200-year anniversary of the foundation of the Cromwell Tower Observatory located in King's College quadrangle.
The ACO will be home to the powerful 16" John Cruickshank Telescope, which the University acquired in 2024, alongside advanced imaging equipment. Anne’s father, John Cruickshank (1787-1875), was Professor of Mathematics at Marischal College and was responsible for maintaining the scientific apparatus which included telescopes that are now in the University Collections.
Anne’s generosity has provided a source of learning and enjoyment not just for University students and staff, but for young people and families from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and for visitors from around the world.
