Bloom groups win at national awards
Three reach Beautiful Scotland gold standard
Crook and Drum Growing Together Hard-working volunteers are celebrating after winning big at the Beautiful Scotland Awards.
Groups across Perth and Kinross scooped top prizes at the awards bash, which was held in Haddington last Thursday.
Seven groups picked up awards, including gold awards to Coupar Angus Pride of Place and Blairgowrie and Rattray in Bloom and a gold award in the large village category for Brig in Bloom.
Brig in Bloom was commended by the judges for rallying to the challenge after the former chair George Smith died.
The group made a “significant effort” to continue George’s efforts and the judges noted the group’s results would “do him proud”.
Silver awards were given to Abernethy in Bloom, Crichton Lang Court residents group (Coupar Angus) and Kinnesswood in Bloom, competing in the small village category.
Kinnesswood in Bloom was Brig in Bloom won best large village recognised for its work to cherish the area and engage people of all ages in their projects, which transformed the village into a colourful display.
Crook and Drum Growing Together picked up a bronze award at the bash.
Pete Leonard, operations director of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I would like to commend the groups from Perth and Kinross for their fantastic work.
“It is thanks to their efforts that local spaces and places they treasure are maintained to such high standards.”
Andrea van Sittart from the Royal Horticultural Society said: “Congratulations to this year’s Beautiful Scotland winners, whose dedication and commitment to keeping their communities clean and green is incredible.
“Some of the creative ways that Scottish groups have improved sustainability by recycling and reducing waste, got children involved in the growing and embraced wildlife-friendly planting have really shone out. They are an inspiration.”