COMMUNITIES ACROSS Perth and Kinross gathered last night to hear how they had fared in the annual Take a Pride in Perthshire Awards.

Representatives from the various In Bloom committees were at the Salutation Hotel, Perth, to learn the judges’ opinions of their efforts.

The judges began deliberations at the start of August by visiting the competing communities.

They assessed cleanliness, floral displays, community and business participation, projects, public relations activity, fund-raising, and school and other voluntary organisation participation.

The judge for the “wee” village was Jim Finnie, from Perth and Kinross Council’s library service, who selected Scotlandwell as the winner.

He praised its committee for its determination and persistence, saying, “It’s an absolute pleasure to have witnessed this village’s progress over the past years.

“Having been good last year, Bloom members have transcended the odds and are even better this year.

“They’ve unlocked the winning formula. Long may it continue.

“This community deserves every success in its future ventures.”

Mr Finnie was also the judge for the small village category and his chosen winner was Muthill.

“Muthill has a lively committee and team of helpers and, as usual, the residents make the journey through the village centre an absolute pleasure,” he said.

“Of particular note this year was the prevalence of over a dozen very attractive and individual scarecrows sited all round the village—full of colour and interest.

“This approach gave the effort a fun feel and added an extra dimension to the displays.”

The large village category was judged by Kate Stevenson, former chairman of Pitlochry in Bloom, and Lorna Mutch from Perth and, in a very closely-fought contest, the judges selected Bridge of Earn as category winner.

The judges commented, “As always this committee has produced a stunning visual impact throughout the village.

“The village residents are always willing to lend a hand and are obviously proud to be associated with this blooming good committee.”

The winner of the small country town category was Pitlochry.

It was selected by Mariel Pratt, from Blackford is Brighter, and Sylvia Stuart, from Perth in Bloom.

“Pitlochry in Bloom provide an outstanding example of a partnership approach in Pitlochry involving the widest of resources, e.g. pre-school, primary and secondary schools right through age range to adults and senior citizens—all playing their part,” said the judges.

In the judges’ discretionary awards category, Glenfarg and Duncrievie took the top award for outstanding community involvement, Coupar Angus won the award for best school involvement and Kinnesswood was best new entry.

At the ceremony, Councillor Ian Miller congratulated the winners and thanked the many other groups who ensure every participating community in Perth and Kinross is a winner.

“Perth and Kinross Council backed a winner as far back as 1993 when the Take a Pride in Perthshire Campaign was born,” said Mr Miller.

“Since then, the local and national awards won by many of the local In Bloom committees has brought much valued publicity for our area.

“I am quite sure that my colleagues on Perth and Kinross Council will be pleased to continue supporting the work of the many In Bloom groups we now have.

“Grass-roots community initiatives carried out by these groups are a great credit to our local communities and no doubt add a little bit extra to the quality of life for everyone.”

Results:

Wee village (up to 250 people)—1 Scotlandwell, 2 Kirkmichael, 3 Spittalfield.

Small village (population 251 to 700)—1 Muthill, 2 equal Blackford and Meigle.

Large village (population 701 to 2000)—1 Bridge of Earn, 2 Comrie, 3 Kinnesswood, 4 Glenfarg and Duncrievie.

Small country town (population 2001 to 10,000)—1 Pitlochry, 2 Blairgowrie and Rattray, 3 Kinross, 4 Crieff.