Forres In Bloom joint overall winners of Beautiful Scotland title
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FORRES has been named as Scotland's most beautiful town in the country's most prestigious community environmental improvement competition.
Forres in Bloom (FIB), with North Berwick, are joint winner's of Beautiful Scotland's premier award, The Rosebowl Trophy, given to the overall winner across all categories.
FIB secretary Sandra Maclennan was overwhelmed to be presented with the accolade alongside her fellow volunteers during a ceremony hosted by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh on Friday, September 8.
She said: "Well done Forres - you are amazing! We could not produce the results without your involvement so this award is for the whole town."
Forty-five groups from all over Scotland were presented with awards and Certificates of Recognition for their efforts to improve, enhance and protect biodiversity and the places they care for, work and live in.
FIB were also winners of the Medium Town Award, the Community Horticulture Award, and also received a judged category Gold certificate.
Forres last won Scotland's biggest prize in 1987 when the entry was put forward by Moray Council.
"We have waited a long time but made it at last," said Mrs Maclennan.
"Times have changed and since 2013 we have had to move to being a local volunteer entry.
"Our judges said that we are outstanding because our entry is almost entirely locally driven, both in terms of growing but also in the support we have from businesses, clubs, schools, youth organisations and residents."
Judging visits took place during early August, with a team considering groups’ efforts across three pillars: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.
The overall Scottish award was won despite many groups, including FIB addressing issues of lower funding and reduced support from local councils.
Mrs Maclennan said: "We are fortunate that we have moral support from Grant Speed of Moray Council and the Open Spaces Team. They are always there with advice and help when needed."
FIB has heard from numerous visitors and residents that the town is looking better than ever this year.
"We have to agree!" said Mrs Maclennan. "Our plants grown by the team led by Bob Davidson, the watering team, the maintenance team and the committee have produced stunning displays.
"The judges looking for the wow factor saw it in the areas of the town which were visited and via the Green Spaces groups we met.
"We must mention Greens Nurseries - Laura Green and her team - who plant our containers throughout the town."
Senior officer of Community Initiatives at Keep Scotland Beautiful, Juliette Camburn, congratulated FIB for their all-year-round efforts.
She said: "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, are truly inspiring, ensuring their local areas are not only protected but improved for future generations.
“Every group thoroughly deserves their awards and recognition, and their collective effort is immensely appreciated.”
FIB will now move on to represent Scotland in the UK Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom finals later this year.
Judges Terry Scott and Penny Wright said FIB is an outstanding example of the collaborative work of volunteers to beautify the town, be environmentally aware and engage with the wider community.
"The town excels in all areas that are judged in the rubric of Beautiful Scotland's three pillars of horticulture, environment and the community.
"FIB and the Forres community take immense pride in their town, which is evident when walking with members of the group and other community volunteer groups.
"All councils have taken a back seat in planting and maintaining, and budgetary challenges they face. Forres In Bloom have risen to the challenge to keep the town looking beautiful and visitor ready.
"Fantastic work, a worthy Gold award."
