Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Green-fingered gardening winners are rewarded for bonnie barrels efforts
P l a i n s ’ popular “bonnie barrels” competition grew even larger this year as neighbours in Caldercruix joined in to show their greenfingered talents.
Residents have been tending plant-filled barrels across the villages, with Airdrie North councillors Alan Beveridge and David Cullen judging the floral displays and gardens.
Iain and Margaret Speirs took the Airdrie bonnie barrels trophy and a £ 25 voucher for Caulders garden centre, while Alison Lafferty of Plains and Caldercruix resident Gillian Black were second and third.
The Plains village prizes went to winners Iain and Margaret Speirs, runnersup John and Elaine Grant and third-placed Pauline Sullivan; while the top three participants in Caldercruix were Gillian Black, Robbie McGarry and Colin McLeod.
Local youngsters had a “wee bonnie barrels” contest, which saw Morven McKendrick win the top prize, Aria Fox come second, the Knitting Club third and participants Leah Purvis, Grace McCutcheon, Lucy Kearney and Sophie Sullivan earn prizes for their efforts.
Kenny and Jane McLaren were winners of the best garden title in Plains, while Mark Smith was runner-up.
The competition is supported by Inver House distillery, who provide the barrels; Muirhall Energy, who funded the trophies; and Caulders and Greenside garden centres.
George McCutcheon, chair of organisers Plains Community Futures, said: “The aim is to make our villages a more attractive place to stay and visit.
“Other communities had approached us for advice on how to get involved with the barrel floral displays, which resulted in Airdrie bonnie barrels being run for the first time; and it’s great that children also get involved.
“We look forward to next year’s competition and are happy to welcome even more communities to join in the fun.”