Hundreds back campaign to scrap fee to visit Glasgow's Kibble Palace

A campaign has been launched a bid retain free access to one of Glasgow’s most popular attractions.

Glasgow City Council have begun charging £3 for an adult and £1.50 for a child to view the Palace’s plants, sculptures and fish.

The decision was made in a bid to increase council funds with an estimation that the charges may generate £185,000 annually.

It comes as the Kibble Palace was recently named the best free attraction by Condé Nast Travel and is the second most popular park in the city.

Local community groups and residents have now launched a campaign against the decision.

The Keep Our Kibble Palace Free petition has already gained over 550 signatures and is due to be considered by Glasgow City Council.

The petition states: “Without any public consultation, Glasgow City Council decided to introduce charges to enter the Kibble Palace.

“For many, especially the elderly and those with children, a visit to the Botanics isn’t enough without The Kibble’s welcoming shelter, warmth and fish.

“Losing free access to the Kibble will inevitably result in fewer visits to the Botanics.

“Now, more than ever (in accordance with net zero and public health strategies) we should be facilitating access to nature and green spaces for public health, and to educate and inform us all on biodiversity, conservation and climate.

“For one adult and child to visit once a week would cost over £200 a year, during the cost of living crisis, as UNICEF promotes the necessity of urban greenspace for children’s development and Public Health Scotland figures show an alarming increase in children whose developmental progress is cause for concern. “

Campaigners have called for an immediate reversal of the plans and to commit to future public consultation before decisions are made in the future.

STV News has contacted Glasgow City Council for comment.