Record Breaking Number of Scottish Parks Receive a Green Flag Award

Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, has announced that a record breaking number of Scottish parks have been presented with a Green Flag Award this year in recognition of their high standards and provision of quality outdoor space.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham MSP, has welcomed the announcement which saw 70 successful parks being celebrated as 2016 award winners, with the City of Edinburgh Council’s parks and gardens winning almost half of the awards.

The Green Flag Award, administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful, is a benchmark for green space. The winning parks are run by local authorities, universities and community groups. Amongst the 2016 award winners, first time awards were received by Seaton Park in Aberdeen, The Helix in Falkirk and Memorial Park in Loanhead. A full list of award winners can be found here.

Ms Cunningham visited MacRosty Park in Crieff today (Thursday 21 July) to celebrate it receiving the award for the sixth year running. Members of the Friends of MacRosty Park Group and Perth and Kinross Council were on hand to demonstrate how their hard work has helped to shape and improve this significant local space. Images from the visit can be found here.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham commented, “I would like to congratulate all 70 parks across Scotland for achieving this prestigious benchmark. It is pleasing to see that the number of Green Flag Awards in Scotland is steadily increasing year on year.

“The availability of high quality local greenspace and parks is important for both the Scottish economy and the vibrancy of local communities.”

I would like to thank everyone for their hard work in maintaining such high standards and Keep Scotland Beautiful for supporting everyone’s efforts to improve our local environment.

Dr Lindsay Montgomery, CBE, Chairman of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said, “Good quality green space is vital to the health and wellbeing of local communities, families and individuals – that is why it is fantastic to see Scotland’s parks and green spaces going from strength to strength.

“More Scottish parks are flying the Green Flag Award than ever before. This record breaking number is a testament to the hard work and determination of park managers, local authorities and volunteers.

“It is great to see such a concerted effort across Scotland to improve our open spaces. We are proud of all our award winners, who work year round, to make Scotland’s parks and public spaces beautiful.”

Councillor Michael Williamson, vice-convener of the Environment Committee of Perth & Kinross Council, said, “We are delighted that MacRosty Park has been awarded its sixth Green Flag Award by Keep Scotland Beautiful. It is an important public space in the heart of Crieff, and has proved to be an invaluable venue for events and educational activities for the local community. Quality green spaces such as this are an important natural resource and bring great enjoyment to residents and visitors alike.”

All parks are assessed by volunteer judges with a background in parks management, conservation or ecology. Applicants are judged against testing criteria which includes assessing whether the park or green space is welcoming, safe, well-maintained and secure.

To be considered for the awards, the park managing authority must apply. Further information on how to see your local park involved in the Green Flag Awards can be found at: www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/greenflagaward