Edinburgh, it turns out has a secret rooftop terrace at the National Museum of Scotland. In my opinion, it’s by far the best part, although I am totally biased. It was a fresh afternoon and the icy breeze hit my face hard, even though I’m wearing a big and long jacket. Feeling alive, I admired the stunning views over Edinburgh. I felt as though I was transported back into a Harry Potter movie, looking at the historic architecture. I was surprised to see a garden with some trees growing on the roof. There were Silver Birch and Scot’s Pine and a whole bunch of sleepy/dead looking Silverweed. Well, at least I think it was there, the sign was definitely there…

Silverweed uses Scotland sign
Silverweed sign describes edible roots. (Rooftop terrace National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh).

So I am excitedly looking forward to trying the roots sometime soon. Bear in mind it’s technically illegal to take out the roots on public land.

According to The forager handbook, Miles Irvings describes the roots as needing quite a lot of digging to remove. I’ve tried once before and only ended up with the leaves. Next time I’m going to look for easy-dig places like raised edges of soil, or cliff banks.

Let me know if you’ve tried Silverweed roots?

Scots pine on rooftop

The Rooftop terrace at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.