Clark officially declared the project complete on Thursday, 06 June, following an £8 million seven-year renovation project to fully refurbish and reinstate many of the Park's original Edwardian features which transformed the gardens into an inclusive space for the whole local community.
As Patron of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, HRH was invited to tour the restored park with Edinburgh's Lord Lieutenant, Frank Ross, and to unveil a plaque to commemorate the milestone.
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Commenting on the Royal Opening, the Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, said: "It is incredible to see Saughton Park's restoration. The new walled gardens are blooming with thousands of flowers, the conservatories and community spaces are warm and inviting and the bandstand has been returned to its original beauty. It really is stunning.
"Everyone involved in the project, including dozens of volunteers from the local community, have worked incredibly hard over the last seven years to revitalise this historic and much-loved park. It feels fitting that the gardens are formally opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Patron of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society. She follows in the footsteps of His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, the son of Queen Victoria, who toured the grounds and declared the Scottish National Exhibition as open, 111 years ago."
