Blantyre at its best on judgement day
Blantyre welcomed two judges from the Beautiful Scotland competition last week.
The town was being judged on the themes of horticulture, environmental responsibility, heritage and community participation.
The afternoon started with a presentation in the Tact Hall. This gave the judges an overview of all the things that have been achieved across Blantyre by community groups and individuals.
A tour of Tact Healthy Park went down a treat, where the judges chatted to the volunteers and found out about all their growing efforts and passion for supporting their community.
The judges and representatives of the town’s community groups then toured the Calder at Milheugh and High Blantyre cross before meeting a hall full of people at Priestfield who talked about taking part in the sunflower growing competition.
A spokesperson for Bonnie Blantyre said: “The hall looked amazing as Gavin Watson Printers kindly provided banners, pop- up stands, posters, bunting and photographs for the kids.
“Asda had also provided goody bags for all the kids that attended and these went down a treat.”
The judges then visited Kirkton House to speak to residents in the garden about all they had achieved over the last year.
A final stop at the bogey in Springwell saw the judges meet Mary Murdoch, who has been taking care of the bogey, as well as people from the community payback team.
The spokesperson added: “There was a real buzz in the air.
“Groups showed the judges how they do a lot with not a lot.
“Lots of money isn’t spent in Blantyre but lots of individuals give up their time to make things happen.
“This is part of what makes Blantyre special.”
The results will not be known until the awards ceremony in September.
The Big Blantyre Conversation will be held in Priestfield Hall on August 28 at 7pm.
The event is hosted by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, working with community groups.
The Bonnie Blantyre spokesperson said: “It is the community’s opportunity to say what they believe needs improved in Blantyre and have a role in making change happen.”
For more information see the Blantyre Community Council Facebook page.