Scottish Cities Alliance

Scotland’s cities are full of beautiful green spaces where people can relax, have fun and stay healthy. And the city of Edinburgh is celebrating after it was named the nation’s number one place for having the highest number of quality parks and green spaces.

_{Princes Street Gardens was an award winner. Credit: Keep Scotland Beautiful}

The Green Flag Award is the golden standard for clean and safe parks and this year, 87 green spaces across Scotland received such an award – with Edinburgh getting 38 winners.

Award-winning places in the capital city include Princes Street Gardens, Portobello Community Garden, Prestonfield Park, Morningside Park and Lothian Road Gardens.

But it’s not just Edinburgh that boasts impressive and award-winning green spaces.

Glasgow won four awards, including accolades for the city’s Botanic Gardens and the Southern Necropolis and Aberdeen took nine awards for venues including Hazlehead, Duthie and Seaton parks. Meanwhile, Dundee was a big winner with seven awards, including accolades for The Law, Templeton Woods, and Slessor Gardens and Waterfront Park.

Edinburgh’s Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker, welcomed the city’s green space success. She said:

I am delighted that 38 parks around Edinburgh have been recognised by Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Green Flag Awards scheme.

The scheme recognises the quality of parks and green spaces, their benefits to communities and the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers who keep them ticking over.

“Here in the Capital, we are truly spoiled for choice across the city when it comes to fantastic parks and green spaces. Each different space has a unique character and significance for the residents and visitors that it welcomes.

Cllr Val Walker, Edinburgh’s Culture and Communities Convener

And Jamie Ormiston Keep Scotland Beautiful Senior Awards Officer said:

Congratulations to our 38 award winners in Edinburgh. Every park has a wide range of people visiting them and their requirements can vary. What is essential is that they are well maintained and provide a safe place for people to relax and have fun.

Our award-winning parks have demonstrated they are worthy winners, meeting the criteria of the coveted international award. Receiving this prestigious benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

Jamie Ormiston, Senior Awards Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful