The volunteers polishing the Jewel of Strathmore

As it’s awarded the Best Large Village trophy, Fiona sings the praises of the people who keep Coupar Angus beautiful

T he Beautiful Scotland awards have come and gone and, on this occasion, they were hosted in Dumfries.

I went along to enjoy the evening – and it was an uplifting night. Watching volunteers receive trophies for sprucing-up communities. Meeting folk who devote time and energy to fashioning floral displays and dealing with litter.

North Berwick did well. So did places like South Lanarkshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and St Andrews.

But it is a wee spot in Perthshire that gets me up on my feet. Because it reminds me of happy times.

Best Large Village goes to Coupar Angus, pipping seven other spots to the post. And it is thanks to the efforts of Coupar Angus Pride of Place, or “POP”, as it is affectionately known. This group has been going for 13 years. Definitely not unlucky for some.

Not for nothing is Coupar known as the Jewel of Strathmore. It is for a very good reason that it was once called the Queen of Strathmore. Of course, this is not the first time it has won gold.

Coupar has been recognised in the Britain in Bloom contests too, and this summer, a university survey named it as one of the healthiest places to live in the UK.

For me, the place has fond memories. Because it is where I used to walk the Macnaughties – three of them at that stage. They always knew where we were going, and they got highly excited as we drove up from Newtyle.

The doggies would be champing at the bit. They were raring to go. But the first job was generally to drop off the recycling. Usually more wine bottles than water bottles, I have to confess. I am trying to improve!

Then it was leads on, and out into the large park on the edge of the town. My lot would be besides themselves with excitement, straining at the lead and full speed ahead as we manoeuvred our way along the paths. They barked at the skateboarders and investigated every tree and bush.

We got to know other walkers and their dogs. There was a graceful Dalmatian, a cheerful Bichon Frise, and an energetic Collie that spent hours fetching a ball.

The place was nicely kept. The grass was regularly cut and whilst the paths may have occasionally flooded, they always seemed clean. Because you took doggie bags to pick up you know what.

This summer, Coupar Angus was named one of the healthiest places to live in the UK. For me, the place it has fond memories.

Indeed, I once saw someone being gently chided for walking away when their hound made a mess on the grass.

Taking time out in Coupar Angus was a rather pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Two times round the circuit was about right. The spaniels could no doubt have managed three or four. But after a mile or so, the naughty Norfolk was ready to call it a day. And so was I.

Yes, good days. Days made all the better by the work of POP volunteers.

A Beautiful Scotland award is much sought after across the country.