Green Flag nod is a walk in the park for Strathaven beauty spot
Popular area is voted No1 in country and also makes UK top 10
Strathaven Park has been voted the best in Scotland in a public vote for the second year running.
Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful also confirmed that the South Lanarkshire park reached the top ten in the UK in a poll of the country’s best green spaces.
The popular park has retained the title as Scotland’s top park for the second year in a row.
Beating more than 1799 of the UK’S best green spaces, Strathaven Park was presented with the accolade of Scotland’s top park as part of the People’s Choice Awards scheme, administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful.
All Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces are entered into the annual People’s Choice Award vote, which every year sees countrywide mass involvement in voting for the very best – with a record-breaking 73,000 votes being placed in the 2017 poll.
Alistair Mckinnon, head of facilities, waste and grounds services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Strathaven Park has not only come out on top in Scotland yet again, but has been rated in the top ten for the whole of the UK.
“The recognition is testament to all those who work tirelessly to keep the park at the level of quality that we have become accustomed to, but which we should never take for granted, and to the many visitors who enjoy its facilities while also taking care of them and appreciating them.
“Very well done to all concerned who, I am sure, will now be working to make it three in a row!”
Cemeteries, universities, shopping centres and community gardens across the UK have achieved a Green Flag Award.
Strathaven is one of 73 Green Flag Award parks in Scotland.
Parks are assessed by volunteer judges with a background in parks management, conservation or ecology.
Applicants are judged against testing criteria, which includes assessing whether the park or green space is welcoming, safe, well-maintained and secure.
Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I would like to congratulate the team at South Lanarkshire Council and all local volunteers for their hard work and determination, which has helped to secure Strathaven Park’s continued success. This is the fourth time in five years the park has been voted Scotland’s number one in the People’s Choice Awards.
“This is clearly recognition for everyone’s efforts in helping to make their local open space a greener, cleaner and healthier place to live, work and play.”
To see how you can get your local park involved in the Green Flag Awards in 2018 visit www.greenflagaward.org.