Blooming fabulous award for Muthill
Members of Muthill in Bloom were celebrating after receiving a top accolade at the Beautiful Scotland awards last week.
Local authorities, bloom groups and businesses from across Scotland gathered in Dumfries on Thursday for the prize- giving ceremony, which recognises the dedication of volunteers to improve their environments.
The event saw more than 230 attendees gather to celebrate their achievements, including five new entrants to the competition.
Awards were presented to 12 category winners, as well as 13 discretionary awards.
Muthill in Bloom was awarded a silver gilt accolade.
The group was formed in 1993 by a small band of enthusiastic volunteers and now, more than a quarter of a century later, their vision continues to thrive.
The aim of the group is to “improve the appearance of the village” and help to create an environmentally friendly place in which to visit, live and work.
The group has progressed from back garden displays to the creation of eyecatching floral displays and is never afraid to try something different or use a “crazy” colour scheme.
Throughout the summer months, vibrant village displays are maintained and watered by a very dedicated team, ensuring everything is in tip- top condition.
This year the village has had numerous eye-catching and unusual displays, such as its scarecrow and bicycle plant holders.
Beautiful Scotland is managed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
All entries are judged by an expert team on entrants’ year- round achievements and the awards are presented to those who achieve the highest scores in each category.
Discretionary awards are also given to those who demonstrate excellence in their commitment to the campaign.
Muthill in Bloom chairperson Susan Crawford told the Herald: “We were delighted to bring another Silver Gilt medal back to our bonny wee village and we look forward to Thursday’s Take a Pride in Perthshire Awards.
RHS’ head of community outreach, Andrea Van Sittart, said: “Congratulations to the 38 communities taking part in this year’s Beautiful Scotland Awards who always go all out to make their villages, towns and cities look stunning.
“Beyond blooms, it’s also great to see so many areas recognised for their tremendous environmental efforts, from planting and conserving habitats for wildlife to clean-ups and running campaigns to cut plastic waste.”