The efforts of communities from across Perth and Kinross in enhancing the area have been recognised at the annual Take a Pride in Perthshire awards.
Representatives of the 48 In Bloom committees gathered in Perth’s Salutation Hotel to celebrate their collective endeavours.
The criteria for the competition is in three parts — horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.
Local judges, Kathy Miller, Graham Harbut and Ally Bruce led by Gordon Croll — who is chairman of the judges — were impressed with the communities they visited.
“We continue to be struck by the enthusiasm, energy, skill and commitment from all the places we visited,” they said.
“It is very encouraging to see new groups come to the fore with innovation and energy.
“The immense contribution from volunteers really makes a difference to our towns and villages and it was a great privilege to be welcomed to the communities and they have all done exceptionally well.”
The wee village winner was Kenmore and the judges were impressed in particular with the ambitious plans being developed for the wildlife area near the school.
The small village winner was Kinnesswood In Bloom while the winner of the large village category was Bridge of Earn’s Brig’ In Bloom.
The winner of the small country town category was the Auchterarder Bloom Association.
Best community involvement was awarded to Kinnesswood In Bloom while Kenmore In Bloom was awarded best involvement with schools.
The most improved community title went to Milnathort In Bloom and a special award was given to Avril Fulton and Monica Straughan for their outstanding contributions to Brig In Bloom and The Take A Pride In Perthshire Association respectively.
Recognition was also given to the Beautiful Scotland Competition finalists for the area — Beautiful Perth, Brig In Bloom, Comrie In Colour, Dunkeld and Birnam, Kinnesswood In Bloom and Muthill In Bloom.
A special mention was also given to Coupar Angus Pride of Place which is representing Scotland in the Royal Horticultural Society, Britain in Bloom competition.
Presenting the awards at the ceremony Provost Dennis Melloy commented: “It gives me great pleasure to see such commitment and effort of volunteers in our communities justly celebrated and rewarded this evening.
“Perth and Kinross has a beautiful and striking natural landscape and the outstanding work of In Bloom Committees around the area plays a vital part in maintaining this.”
