National award for Broughty Ferry group

Broughty Ferry in Bloom’s efforts won the group a Silver Gilt award at this year’s Beautiful Scotland awards.

The hard work of a Broughty Ferry group to enhance the local community has won it a national award in recognition of its efforts.

Broughty Ferry in Bloom took a Silver Gilt award at this year’s Beautiful Scotland awards, one of three from the Dundee area to be acknowledged.

Bonnie Dundee won Gold while the Ardler Environment Group enter a new non-judged category of the awards, organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful, and received a Certificate of Recognition.

Councillor Anne Rendall, Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services convener, said: “It’s great to see the fantastic work being carried out in Dundee being recognised and rewarded.

Three groups from the Dundee area were recognised.

“It’s been a difficult period during the pandemic but to still be putting in the work and to be recognised for it is a fitting tribute and I congratulate the groups for their efforts and their reward in winning these covetable commendations from Keep Scotland Beautiful.”

Keep Scotland Beautiful’s judging process was different this year, with many community activities curtailed due to the pandemic and its team of 14 volunteer judges only able to visit some of the groups across Scotland from the summer.

Entrants had the opportunity to take part in either a judged, or a non-judged category to enable the charity to support groups through a wealth of online resources, networking and online events, whether or not they decided to enter the competition.

Run in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the initiative provides the opportunity for groups to gain recognition for their efforts to protect and enhance their local places. This year’s optional theme was ‘climate and nature-friendly’ and participants received free pollinator-friendly seeds to help create #BeeDiverse places.

Barry Fisher, Keep Scotland Beautiful chief executive, said: “We’re in a climate and nature emergency, but we know that communities have been working tirelessly to protect and enhance their neighbourhoods, reconnecting with the environment and their communities despite the challenges lockdowns have posed.

“I’d like to thank the entrants for all they do, and I’d encourage others to get involved next year.”