Beautiful Scotland celebration set for Duthie Park
21 August 2024
Aberdeen is set to welcome community groups from across the country at the prestigious Beautiful Scotland celebration and awards event next month.
Hundreds of volunteers who have been working tirelessly over the past year to improve the places that matter to them for people and biodiversity will join together to celebrate their success at the glittering event.
We're jointly hosting the event with Aberdeen City Council which will take place at Duthie Park in Aberdeen on Monday 9 September.
Judging visits took place in July and August, with the efforts of groups being assessed across the three pillars of horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.
Competing in a range of categories, from Villages, Towns and Cities, to Coastal, Residential and Urban awards, each judged entrant will be recognised for their contribution to keeping Scotland beautiful and be in with a chance of winning one of a series of Discretionary Awards - including Community Horticulture, the Garden for Life Biodiversity Award and the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society Award.
The premier award – The Rosebowl Trophy – will be presented to the overall winner across all categories, receiving the highest overall marks.
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. At the ceremony, these groups will all be presented with a Certificate of Recognition, alongside four groups representing Scotland in the UK RHS Britain in Bloom finals later this year.
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 event is being hosted in the city.
Juliette Camburn, our Senior Community Initiatives Officer, said: “I’m really looking forward to what promises to be another wonderful event as we celebrate our amazing Beautiful Scotland groups – all of whom are part of our Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network across Scotland.
“Initial feedback from our volunteer judges has been extremely positive, with every group doing brilliant work to improve their local communities and make their area a better place - for people and nature.
“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 as always and we can’t wait to recognise and thank every group for their efforts.”
Dr David Cameron, Lord Provost, City of Aberdeen, said: “We are honoured as a city to be able to host this event especially as Aberdeen is celebrating 60 years of competing in Britain in Bloom and Beautiful Scotland.
"Within the City we are very proud of our record in these competitions and a fitting legacy to the late David Welch who as Director of Links and Parks introduced the city to these awards so successfully. The event will take place in the Duthie Park where our wonderful David Welch Winter Gardens is located.
"A particular thank you to the community volunteers throughout Scotland who have worked enthusiastically over the past year to improve the places that matter to them for people and biodiversity."
The Beautiful Scotland celebration and award event has been made possible with in kind and financial support from Aberdeen City Council and HP Inc.
We operate Beautiful Scotland in association with the Royal Horticultural Society. Find more information if you’re interested in joining the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network.
