ENVIROMENTAL charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has recognised nine groups from across the Scottish Borders for their work to improve their communities for people and nature.

The 2022 Beautiful Scotland and It’s Your Neighbourhood annual seminar and celebration event took place virtually on Thursday December 8.

Abundant Borders - Ayton community garden, Duns community garden, Eyemouth community garden, Foulden community garden and Hawick community garden, Burnfoot Community Futures, Earlston in Bloom, Green St Boswells and Paxton House were amongst the 180 groups from 26 local authority areas  that were recognised with certificates and awards at the celebration event for their efforts to clean up and beautiful their neighbourhoods.

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Juliette Camburn, Community Projects Officer with Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We’re delighted to once again be celebrating the brilliant work of groups across Scotland who are doing so much to make their community a better place.

“Every It’s Your Neighbourhood entrant has made a lasting contribution to their area through their efforts and it’s great to see such a high number taking part this year.

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“I’d like to congratulate and thank each and every group, alongside the 26 volunteer assessors we work with who give up their time, support, expertise and guidance, for all they do to make their community a cleaner, greener and more sustainable place for people and nature.”

It’s Your Neighbourhood is Keep Scotland Beautiful’s community environmental improvement initiative which is managed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). 

It runs alongside Beautiful Scotland but is non-competitive and is based on the three pillars of community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement.

Pak Ling Wan, Community Programme Manager of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), said: “We’re delighted that so many groups in Scotland are taking part in It’s Your Neighbourhood and achieving so much for their local communities.

“It’s encouraging how groups have fully embraced the initiative, showing that, they can improve people’s wellbeing and benefit our natural environment through gardening.”