Bloom groups' delight at Beautiful Scotland awards success

Volunteers from throughout the county, along with East Lothian Council, were recognised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful at a virtual Beautiful Scotland awards ceremony last Wednesday.

Blooming Haddington celebrated doing the double after striking gold in the medium town category and also claiming the Haddington 700 award for work at Amisfield Walled Garden.

The latter accolade is presented to the entrant that has developed or restored a feature that celebrates local history through horticulture.

There was also success for Aberlady in Bloom and Gifford Community, who were awarded silver gilts in the coastal village and small village categories respectively.

The Blooming Belters (Tranent) and Dunbar in Bloom also received certificates of recognition in the non-judged category.

Rounding off a memorable afternoon, East Lothian Council was announced joint winner of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society Award, alongside Aberdeen City Council.

Jane Hogarth-Brown proudly shows off the certificate recognising Blooming Haddington's success. Picture: Gordon Bell

Provost John McMillan, the local authority’s spokesman for environment, economic development and tourism, congratulated each of the groups on their success.

He tuned in to the virtual ceremony and said: “East Lothian has built up a strong record of success at these awards but it was particularly pleasing this year to see recognition of and awards to some of the county’s newest groups.

“Blooming Belters and Aberlady in Bloom have only been active for less than five years but the volunteers in these groups have helped transform their local communities through imaginative planting.

“Last year, Gifford Community won the new entrant category and have retained success with silver gilt in the small village category, and the Dunbar in Bloom group received recognition of their ongoing work.

“I was also personally pleased that Haddington scooped gold in the medium town category, with an additional award to Amisfield Walled Garden in the town.

“Finally, East Lothian Council shared with Aberdeen City Council the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society Award, which is presented to the local authority that demonstrates the highest standard of horticulture in public open spaces. Our local amenity teams maintain parks and a range of open spaces to high standards and also support the In Bloom groups with plants and advice all-year round.”

This year, a full Beautiful Scotland competition was held, after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.

Judges toured communities the length and breadth of the country at the beginning of August.

Medal certificates, awards for best-in category, the prestigious Rosebowl – won this year by Aberdeen Communities Together and Angus group East Haven Together – and special discretionary awards were presented at the online ceremony.

There was also a non-competitive option, awarding certificates of recognition to groups taking part in the programme without participating in the judged element.

This autumn and winter, Keep Scotland Beautiful will travel through Scotland to visit judged entrants who wish to be presented with their certificates and awards.

Frances Wright, chairwoman of Blooming Haddington, was delighted with the success and highlighted how it was a team effort.

She praised the efforts of East Lothian Council, particularly the plant nursery in Prestonpans, and those involved with Blooming Haddington.

She said: “There is an awful lot of hard work but we have got a small but dedicated team of volunteers that are committed to doing the best they can.

“We are also supported by the community and very grateful for the support we receive from East Lothian Council.”

Ian Malcolm, chairman of Aberlady in Bloom, was full of praise for everyone who had helped ensure the village was looking its best.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted to gain a silver gilt award for the second consecutive year.

“The team has done a fantastic job making the village as smart and as attractive as it can be while taking steps to increase pollinators and biodiversity.

“Aberlady is such a naturally attractive village, with so much to offer residents and visitors of all ages, it essentially sells itself.”

Gifford Community is made up of four community groups – the village’s community council, horticultural society, Gifford Community Woodland and Yester Estate – who all come together for the initiative.

Adam White, chairman of Gifford Community Council, said: “The award of the silver gilt is great.”

Barry Fisher, chief executive with Keep Scotland Beautiful, congratulated the groups from across the country.

He said: “We’re in a climate and nature emergency but we know that communities across Scotland have been working tirelessly to protect and enhance their neighbourhoods, reconnecting with the environment and their communities, and rebuilding after the challenges that the lockdowns posed.

“Beautiful Scotland provides us with such a wonderful opportunity to recognise all the excellent work being done, and to celebrate with and thank everyone who is keeping Scotland beautiful.”

The county success came in the wake of North Berwick in Bloom winning a gold medal and the coastal category at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom Finals. Libby Morris, chairperson of North Berwick in Bloom, was also one of 11 people from across the UK to be awarded a Community Champion Award.