Scottish groups honoured at Beautiful Scotland awards
09 September 2024
Community groups, local authorities and volunteers from across Scotland who strive to keep their villages, towns and cities clean, green and sustainable in a climate and nature friendly way have been celebrated and recognised at the annual Beautiful Scotland celebration and awards event.
Hosted for us by Aberdeen City Council, the annual Beautiful Scotland awards took place at Duthie Park, Aberdeen on Monday 9 September.
The Rosebowl, the most prestigious award of the day, was won by Aberdeen Communities Together, marking the city’s 60th year of participation in a fitting way.
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.
Juliette Camburn, our Senior Community Initiatives Officer, said: “I’d like to wish huge congratulations to all those that joined our Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network this year and took part in the Beautiful Scotland initiative. It was wonderful to honour so many who do so much to improve our local communities with certificates of recognition and awards.
“Aberdeen City Council is celebrating 60 years competing in Britain in Bloom and Beautiful Scotland – one of only two locations across the UK. It is fitting that the city has won the Rosebowl in 2024.
“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 the 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 efforts to make the places they care for nicer for those that live, work and visit, is immensely appreciated.”
Judging visits took place between 29 July and 11 August, with our 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 our 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.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Dr David Cameron, who was official host of the event, said: “We are over the moon about winning the Rosebowl and the other awards today – it’s such a tribute to our hard-working gardeners and greenkeepers as well as all the amazing community organisations, groups, and individuals who help to continue make Aberdeen’s green spaces beautiful.
“Aberdeen has a long and prestigious history in the Beautiful Scotland and Britain in Bloom competitions so it’s fantastic that we’ve won this accolade in our 60th year of entering the competitions.
“We’d like to say a big ‘thanks’ to everyone who makes a contribution to our parks and green spaces and encourage everyone to come and see for themselves what beautiful – and award-winning - places they are.”
A full list of winners can be found here.
The Beautiful Scotland celebration and award event has been made possible with in kind and financial support from Aberdeen City Council and HP Inc.
Beautiful Scotland, part of our Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network, is run in association with the Royal Horticultural Society.
