Planning

Catering Concession Contract - Benmore Garden, Dunoon, Argyll and Bute

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

14 May 2026 at 00:00

PCS Notice - Website Prior Information Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is in the planning stages of a catering concession contract for Benmore Botanic Garden located in Dunoon, Argyll and Bute. This procurement process revolves around the education industry category and is primarily concerned with services. The contract, titled "Catering Concession Contract - Benmore Garden," will commence on 1st March 2027 and run for three years, with potential extensions. Key dates include a requirement to respond to a Request for Information by 27th May 2026, as part of preparations for the forthcoming Invitation to Tender (ITT). Interested parties are encouraged to submit proposals that align with the strategic objectives and operational schedules of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which serves as the central purchasing body.

This tender creates a substantial opportunity for businesses involved in the catering and hospitality sector, particularly those experienced with visitor attraction environments. Operators with expertise in delivering high-quality café services or with the capability to manage a venue that caters to seasonal visitor fluctuations are well-suited for this opportunity. The contract offers a platform for operators to enhance their market presence through a robust partnership with a prominent public institution. With an annual visitor count averaging 36,250 and revenue opportunities through dynamic menu offerings and event catering, businesses that align operational goals with fair work practices, sustainability, and quality are in an optimal position to benefit from this contract.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Catering Concession Contract - Benmore Garden, Dunoon, Argyll and Bute

Notice Description

This is a catering concession contract for Benmore Botanic Garden, Dunoon, Argyll and Bute.

Lot Information

Lot 1

RBGE is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced operator to deliver visitor cafe and other catering services at Benmore Botanic Garden. The contract will commence on 1 March 2027 and extends for a three year period with the option to extend by agreement for one year plus one further year. The contract is expected to be operated on the basis of a minimum annual payment with the option for an enhanced percentage concession. Visitor numbers to Benmore Garden - on average over the last 3 years 36,250 visitors per annum The average annual turnover for the last 4 years is GBP 177,000 net The cafe plays an important role in shaping the whole visitor experience and the operator will be required to work closely with RBGE teams to deliver excellent visitor standards. The cafe is situated inside the visitor centre within the retail area and comprises seating for 36, with additional external seating (both covered and open seating). The cafe is supported by a well-equipped kitchen area and small servery with refrigerated display and drinks making facilities. The full specification is still in development. However, the operator responsibilities will include: - Service delivery 7 days per week aligning with the visitor centre opening hours - Menu development and delivery to comprise as a minimum freshly made soup, sandwiches and salads, home baking, a children's food offer and good quality hot and cold drinks. RBGE requires approval to menus and pricing policy - Occasional events catering delivery and travel trade food offers - Staffing and day to day management of the facility and adherence to Fair Work First principles - Adherence to UK and Scottish food safety legislation including establishment of a HACCP plan - Adherence to UK and Scottish health and safety legislation and to local RBGE guidance and regulations - Financial and other reporting to RBGE in a format to be agreed - Operating the catering service in a way that aligns with RBGE sustainability objectives - Attending regular (seasonal) meetings with RBGE contract management - Provision of a discount structure for RBGE staff and members. Please assist RBGE creating a successful Invitation to Tender Document. Attached to this notice is a Request for Information document asking for your opinions on how to make this ITT attractive to the market. Please upload a response so that we can consider your views.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000831105
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY555842
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
PCS Notice - Website Prior Information Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

CPV Codes

55520000 - Catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 May 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
26 Jun 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH3 5LR
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM63 Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh, Arran and Cumbrae, and Argyll and Bute
Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Inverleith
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh North and Leith

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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