More than 60 volunteers turned out to help tidy North Berwick in preparation for the Britain in Bloom judges’ visit to the town.

North Berwick in Bloom (NBiB) members had spent some months getting the town ready for judging and, with the help of dedicated volunteers, made North Berwick look its blooming best.

On the day of judging last month, NBiB members were joined by representatives of North Berwick Community Council, the Rotary Club of North Berwick, harbour helpers, Bass Rock Community Group, North Berwick Environment and Heritage Trust and pARTicipate, alongside willing helpers from local schools and Brownies.

They were also joined by representatives from East Lothian Council’s amenity team, Provost John McMillan, and ward councillor Carol McFarlane.

The judges arrived in the town on August 5, and were taken to the harbour, where they received a tour and met representatives of Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery, Scottish Seabird Centre and North Berwick Harbour Trust.

They then visited the Lodge Grounds, where they were shown the Robert Louis Stevenson-inspired ‘Treasure Island’ floral bed and had their interest piqued by a number of rare trees planted in the area.

The judges were welcomed to the Lodge Grounds by piper Lyle Crawford playing Song for the Commonwealth, written for the Queen’s jubilee. At the end of their visit, the judges went to Glen Golf Club, meeting members of East Lothian Council, as well as countryside rangers.

Dr Libby Morris, NBiB chairperson, told the Courier: “Throughout the year, I’m aware of how much other groups do to help the town in countless ways and I invited many of them to join us as we reached the climax of our activities for 2022 with the judging for Britain in Bloom.

“I was overwhelmed and extremely touched by the turnout – we all were – and, as an added extra, the Provost kindly treated everyone to an ice cream as they posed for a ‘team photo’.

“The sun shone brightly on the gathering as the judges were piped in by Lyle Crawford.”

Dr Morris said the judges were especially interested in the recently planted rare trees in the Lodge Grounds.

She said: “This magnificent amenity used to be supported by a Friends of the Lodge group, which is now amalgamated with NBiB.

“It gives us a year-round ‘watching brief’ on the Lodge, which has activities that support all ages, including a high-quality play park, seating for older visitors, new picnic tables for families, table tennis tables provided by St Andrew Blackadder Church fundraising and North Berwick Trust, as well as a meeting place for teenagers and a pavilion used by charity Stepping Out.

“This green space proved particularly important as a refuge for walks and recreation during the lockdowns.

“The town in general – and particularly the Lodge gardens and war memorial – also benefit from the work of East Lothian Council amenity team and East Lothian Council nursery.”

The results of Britain in Bloom will be announced next month.