Wednesday September 24th 2025
Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden’s new Regis Keeper, Dr Julia Knights
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The recent appointment of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic gardens new Regius Keeper has seen the first women take on the prestigious role, following a competitive recruitment process overseen by the Botanic Garden’s Chair, Dominic Fry.
Dr Julia Knights will become the 17th Regius Keeper (CEO) of the gardens, taking up post at the end of January 2026. She will succeed Simon Milne MBE as he retires after more than a decade of transformative, visionary leadership.
Becoming the first female Regius Keeper, Julia’s career spans over 20 years in biodiversity, conservation and climate change. She previously spent 12 years as a British Diplomat leading the science teams in some of the greatest biodiversity hotspots in the world, alongside leading a multi-million-pound UK government research programme in Brazil.
Julia also served in the Senior Civil Service as Deputy Director of Energy and Climate Science in the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Previously, Julia also undertook senior policy and delivery roles in nature, conservation and sustainable agriculture for five years in Defra – the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
On her appointment as first female Regius Keeper, Julia commented:
“With the urgent crises of nature loss, climate change and social inequality, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s mission to explore, conserve, and explain the world of plants could not be more vital. I am honoured to become the next Regius Keeper of the RBGE—which holds one of the richest botanical living collections on earth across four incredible gardens at Logan, Benmore, Dawyck, and Edinburgh.
“I look forward to working with the Chair, trustees and talented colleagues to build on Simon’s legacy, and further RBGE’s world leading research, continue the digitising of plants in its Herbarium, and welcome visitors back to the iconic Palm Houses next summer. I’m also passionate about furthering work with local communities and partners in Scotland and training the next generation of botanists and taxonomists to identify, protect and conserve plants and fungi, for people and the planet.”
With her appointment being overseen by the Royal Botanic Gardens Chair, Dominic Fry, he welcomed her to the organisation:
“Julia brings with her a wealth of experience and integrity. From her scientific and horticultural acumen to her experience as a diplomat overseas, Julia’s track record demonstrates a close synergy with the work and ethos of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. I am confident Julia has the skills and energy to ensure this organisation continues to prosper at the fore of our sector and am very much looking forward to working alongside her.”
Julia is taking over from the 16th Regius Keeper, Simon Milne, who is retirinhg at the end of January.
Simon welcomed Julia, commenting on his privilege to have headed up the organisation during a transformative period in it’s long history:
“I am immensely proud of all we have achieved and deeply honoured to have worked alongside such dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and inspiring students. Together, we have advanced the understanding, conservation, and appreciation of the plants and fungi on which all known life depends. As I prepare to step aside, I do so with complete confidence that my successor will lead the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with vision and resolve towards its next exciting chapter, continuing to champion plant diversity and the very future of our planet.”
Commenting on the appointment on behalf of the Scottish Government, Rural Affairs Secretary Mari Gougeon said:
“I congratulate Dr Julia Knights on her appointment as the 17th Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). The work of botanic gardens has never been more important, and Julia’s wealth of experience in the climate and environmental sector as a scientist, a civil servant, and as a British Diplomat will bring strong and inspirational leadership to this next exciting chapter.”
Julia’s appointment to the essential role has marked a significant moment in the Royal Botanic Gardens history, stepping in to become the first female Regius Keeper at an important time in the gardens history.
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