Bloom groups are rewarded for efforts

A number of community groups across Perthshire have been presented with prestigious environmental awards by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Blooming Balbeggie, Luncarty and Redgorton in Bloom and Take A Pride in North Muirton all came away with an ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ award at the Keep Scotland Beautiful awards on Wednesday, October 25, to recognise their community participation, commitment to the environment and gardening achievements.

Dr Lindsay Montgomery, chairman of the board of trustees at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I would like to congratulate all of the 2017 It’s Your Neighbourhood participants. Their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment has helped to improve local environments Scotland-wide.

“Keep Scotland Beautiful recently reported that local environmental quality standards across Scotland have reached their lowest point in a decade. Local action, such as the hard work of It’s Your Neighbourhood volunteers, goes a long way in helping to tackle the problem.

“These awards celebrate community efforts to improve environments throughout Scotland, Every single volunteer has helped towards creating more vibrant communities and protecting our precious local spaces making a significant difference to neighbourhoods the length and breadth of the country.”

Andrea Van-Sittrat, head of community outreach at the Royal Horticultural Society, added: “Well done to all the Scottish It’s Your Neighbourhood groups who have given up their time to improve their local areas for residents and visitors alike. Between them, they make a huge contribution to keeping Scotland clean, green and beautiful.

“With almost 1,900 groups across the UK involved in It’s Your Neighbourhood, part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s wider Britain in Bloom campaign, the impact they have on transforming our villages, towns and cities is enormous.”