Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Britain’s biggest tourist magnets. It has had a no-dogs policy since it opened to the public in 1840. But staff who live inside the manicured grounds are allowed to keep canines. Today we can reveal a Scottish Terrier called Archie has lived in the grounds for nearly 8 years! The first, we hope, of many.

In August, Richard Barley, the Director of Horticulture and Learning – in effect the number two – at Kew Gardens joined the London Scottie Club and agreed to a short interview with us.

Apart from competition from parakeets and one flight landing at London Heathrow during the interview, Richard was able to tell us about the Tea-Time Storm that Archie puts on, and discussed how he would like to introduce a trial to welcome dog owners with their canine companions into Kew Gardens for the first time. Judging by how well Archie behaves – and does not mutilate the famous gardens – we think he may become our best hope yet for dog admissions! Perhaps Archie can do for park admissions reform in 2021 what Fala did for US foreign policy in 1941.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/7GVBQUZ0brE”]

This interview is also available as a podcast from London Scottie Radio.

With the iconic backdrop of the imposing red-brick Kew Palace – which famously became home to the estranged monarch King George III – hear about what it means for Archie to have 300 acres to roam when the public are not visiting. Bliss!

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  L-R: Richard, Archie, George, Pudding

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  Filming of the interview

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  A trio of Scotties in Kew Gardens

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  Richard with Archie