Aberdeen’s parks win gold at Britain in Bloom awards

Aberdeen has been crowned the winner of a prestigious horticultural contest.

The city came top in its category at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) UK Britain In Bloom finals last night, earning the Gold award at a ceremony in Belfast.

The capital of Northern Ireland was also nominated in the City category, along with Northampton, Norwich and Reading who were all vying for the gong.

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett said: “It is fantastic for Aberdeen to be crowned best city in Britain In Bloom, and the award is a testament to all the hard work and effort put in not just over the last year, but for the last few years.

“Well done to everyone who contributed, from Aberdeen City Council environmental services staff who look after our parks, gardens and open spaces, to all the community groups and partners involved in making our city a beautifully blooming place.”

Aberdeen also won a Britain in Bloom Discretionary Award for showing excellence in growing communities.

The annual contest highlights the work of residents and businesses for their contribution to the city’s floral displays – which this year made it to the finals of Britain In Bloom in the City category.

Judges from the competition took time to visit the north-east last month, including paying a visit to Cults Burn Park, created as part of the Countesswells development.

Judges have already visited other projects in the area.

The competition triumph follows on from the success of communities in the city and Aberdeenshire in the Beautiful Scotland competition where Powis Residents Group, Aberdeen Inspired and Cove In Bloom all took home top awards.

For Aberdeen In Bloom, now in its 43rd year, there were almost 100 entrants judged between July 16 and August 3.

Winners of the nine categories were presented with their awards by Aberdeen City Council Deputy Provost Alan Donnelly, who thanked everyone who entered the competition.