Record number of Scottish parks win Green Flag awards
● 73 destinations recognised in 2017 ● Four fly the flag for the first time
A record 73 Scottish parks and green spaces have been presented with a prestigious Green Flag award this year in recognition of their high standards and environmental credentials.
Three more parks than last year have received the accolade in 2017.
An extinct volcano overlooking the Tay that was home to a hill fort during the Iron Age is one of four new winners that will fly the banner in 2017 for the first time.
The 572ft-high Dundee Law, which is managed by Dundee City Council, can be reached by car and bus or on foot and has undergone a period of investment and redevelopment in recent years.
Its summit is now home to an observation point offering spectacular panoramic views over the city to Fife, Perthshire and the Sidlaw Hills to the north.
The other first-time winners are Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen’s west end, which was gifted to the city in 1936 and has streams, waterfalls, ponds, rockeries and a rustic bridge, and two popular spots in Fife – the scenic coastline of Silver Sands and Hawkcraig Point at Aberdour, and Cupar’s Haugh, a classic town park complete with a 117-yearold bandstand.
Research suggests wellmaintained public parks bring a range of human health benefits, including encouraging exercise, improving mental well-being and inspiring children to play.
The Green Flag initiative was set up to recognise and reward well managed parks and green spaces, and is seen as a benchmark for recreational outdoor areas across the UK and around the world.
Edinburgh has the highest number of Green Flags, with 32 parks achieving the honour.
These include Princes Street Gardens, Corstorphine Hill, the Pentlands and a community garden in Portobello.
Seven parks in Glasgow gained the award, including Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Bellahouston Park and Pollok Country Park.
The Helix in Falkirk, which is home to the Kelpies sculptures, Roslin Glen in Midlothian, Strathaven Park in South Lanarkshire and Ladywell Park in Stirling are also recipients.
Most of the award-winners are operated by local authorities, with a few exceptions.
These include Heriot-watt University campus, the Helix, which is run by Falkirk Community Trust, and the Friends of Corstorphine Hill’s walled garden.
“It is pleasing to see the number of Green Flag Awards in Scotland increasing year on year,” said Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful.
“Good-quality green open spaces are vital to the health and well-being of local communities, families and individuals.
“Parks and open spaces are a fantastic asset – they are free to use and provide opportunities to exercise and socialise.”
Matt Lowther, head of place and equity at NHS Health Scotland, said: “It is important that the places and spaces in which we live, work and play are designed to promote good health and reduce health inequalities.
“Having access to goodquality green space is an essential part of this. It means people are more likely to be physically active and socially connected. ”
Julie Procter, chief executive of the charity Greenspace Scotland, added: “Quality parks and green spaces make a big difference to our quality of life. They really are our natural health service, our children’s outdoor classrooms and our town’s green lungs.”