East Lothian recognised at annual environment awards

Community groups, local authorities and businesses from all across Scotland gathered in Dumfries last week to celebrate the 53rd annual Beautiful Scotland Awards, organised by environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful and hosted by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The ceremony recognised the dedication of volunteers and councils working in partnership across the country to improve the places they care for.

The East Lothian winners were:

• Dunbar in Bloom, Gold
• North Berwick in Bloom, Gold, Rosebowl Category Award, Coastal Town Category Award, Community Horticulture Discretionary Award
• The Blooming Belters (Tranent), Silver Gilt

North Berwick in Bloom received the Rosebowl as the highest scoring entrant. The group has always set particularly high standards, having collected the Rosebowl four times previously.

The group works across North Berwick making sure that the town is maintained to a high standard. From planters to local parks, the volunteers support the Council and the Scottish Seabird Centre - making sure that everyone in the local community is engaged in its wildlife and preservation.

Lindsay Montgomery, Chairman of Keep Scotland Beautiful, who presented the medal certificates commented:

“All across the country outstanding volunteers, local authority staff and businesses help to protect and maintain the outdoor spaces that are precious to us, and bring a wide range of benefits to local communities. Beautiful Scotland celebrates their achievements and provides the recognition that they deserve.

“I would like to congratulate the winners from East Lothian. It is thanks to their efforts that local places continue to be maintained to a high standard for everyone to enjoy.”

East Lothian has enjoyed a number of successes at the Beautiful Scotland awards over the years, and this latest triumph is something the whole county can be proud of.

Provost John McMillan said: "I’d like to congratulate North Berwick in Bloom, Dunbar in Bloom and the Blooming Belters on this tremendous success. It reflects a huge amount of tireless work by enterprising individuals who take pride in their communities and make a real commitment to ensuring local streets are filled with colour – to the delight of residents and visitors alike." 

"East Lothian has enjoyed a number of successes at the Beautiful Scotland awards over the years, including at last year’s ceremony in Haddington, and this latest triumph is something the whole county can be proud of. I’d also like to extend my thanks to the council’s Amenity Services team, who have worked in partnership with local volunteers and continue to play their very positive part in making a positive difference across the Garden County."

Beautiful Scotland is one of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s flagship initiatives which is managed in partnership with  the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). All entries are judged by an expert team on their 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.