FOUR East Lothian groups have enjoyed a blooming good afternoon after scooping awards at a national ceremony.

Blooming Haddington returned from the Beautiful Scotland ceremony in Aberdeen with an impressive prize haul.

The green-fingered volunteers came home with the Medium Town Award, the David Welch Memorial Award for Something Special (for Amisfield Walled Garden), the Haddington 700 Award (for St Mary’s Pleasence) and also received a gold certificate.

Meanwhile, North Berwick in Bloom received a Certificate of Recognition for being nominated to represent Scotland in the RHS Britain in Bloom finals, which take place in the autumn.

Aberlady in Bloom and Dunbar in Bloom also received Certificates of Recognition.

Clare Scott, chairwoman of Blooming Haddington, told the Courier: "We are absolutely delighted with the results we had and a lovely day up in Aberdeen.

"It was great to have some of the East Lothian Council chaps representing the parks team and nursery there with us.

"We are absolutely delighted and also we got discretionary awards for Amisfield Walled Garden and St Mary's Pleasance as well.

"That was an extra icing on the cake.

"WE could not do it without the group of volunteers we have through the year."

Organised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful and hosted by Aberdeen City Council, the annual awards took place in the Granite City on Monday.

Thirty-eight groups from all over Scotland were presented with awards and Certificates of Recognition for their efforts to improve, enhance and protect biodiversity and the places they care for and work and live in.

Community groups and volunteers were celebrated and thanked for their efforts to improve their areas and make them a nicer place for people to live, work and visit.

Juliette Camburn, senior officer, community initiatives at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I’d like to wish huge congratulations to our fantastic East Lothian groups who were honoured at this year’s Beautiful Scotland awards.

“It was wonderful to be in Aberdeen once again to celebrate the brilliant efforts of groups from across Scotland who do so much to improve our local communities.

“We’re facing climate and nature crises in Scotland, and everyone must play their part to halt biodiversity loss and to protect and enhance nature.

“The efforts of our groups, and all involved in their communities, is truly inspiring, ensuring their local areas are not only protected but improved for future generations.

“Every group thoroughly deserves their awards and recognition, and their collective effort is immensely appreciated.”

Judging visits took place over 14 days in July and August, with Keep Scotland Beautiful’s volunteer judges evaluating groups’ efforts across three pillars: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

This year, there were a total of 27 awards available alongside four categories of medal certificate for all judged entrants meeting the required criteria.

All 34 judged entrants received a certificate, with 13 winning gold, seven winning a silver gilt and the 14 non-judged groups and the four Scottish UK finalists receiving Certificates of Recognition.

A non-judged category was introduced in 2021 for groups who wanted access to the support, resources and recognition available through the initiative but did not yet feel ready to participate in a judged category.