And the 2011 Beautiful Scotland overall winner is….. September 14, 2011

Huge congrats to Burgh Beautiful Linlithgow for their well deserved win of the Beautiful Scotland 2011 Rosebowl Trophy.

Representatives of the group couldn’t make the awards ceremony on Monday (which was held in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute..130 hardy souls made it over, despite the gale-force winds, for a wonderful event) but did pop into the Keep Scotland Beautiful offices yesterday to collect the Rosebowl and their medal certificates.

To find out which community groups from across Scotland won what – visit the medal page, and the trophy page of the Beautiful Scotland website.

Well done to all the winners, and to everyone who made it or tried to make it over on Monday! We hope you all got home safe and sound.

Bye for now! August 31, 2011

The Beautiful Scotland blog will be closing down shortly, but don’t worry, it is being replaced with a bigger, better, and more comprehensive Keep Scotland Beautiful Community Blog.

The new blog will give you information about the best beaches to visit, how to get involved in Scotland’s biggest annual litter pick – National Spring Clean, tell you how you can reduce your carbon footprint, and inform you of how to improve your community through our Beautiful Scotland campaigns and Community Action and Support Programme.

Keep checking back here to find out when it goes live!

Environmental improvement money available August 9, 2011

If you are planning an environmental activity using volunteers, or you think you can come up with a good project that improves biodiversity in your area, then you could be eligible for a CSV Action Earth grant. CSV want to empower people to take action in their community, and their campaign offers three easy-to-access grants ranging from £50 to £500 to cover materials tools and expenses, and can make a big difference to an event. The CSV Action Earth campaign is supported by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

CSV aim to help projects and groups attract new volunteers to their work. Last year over 10,000 CSV Action Earth volunteers were involved in projects such as improving wildlife habitats by clearing and planting, turning derelict wasteland into bee-friendly wildflower meadows, creating ponds and footpaths, tagging sharks, building and installing bat and bird boxes, improving woodland and a whole range of other environmental tasks. Already this year they have almost 100 active projects, and hope to almost double this number.

Grants will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so please register quickly. Projects can apply NOW. You can apply on-line, download forms or get more information including details of current projects at www.actionearth.org.uk. If you wish to discuss project ideas or any issues relating to the campaign, please contact Robert Henderson on 0131 222 9083 or by e-mail on rhenderson@csv.org.uk.

North Berwick’s ‘eggcellent’ prize August 8, 2011

the beautiful clock

North Berwick in Bloom was donated a Faberge style clock, created from an ostrich egg, by local artist Josefina to raise funds for their ongoing projects.  It took Josefina over 100 hours to make and is totally unique.  

The beautiful clock was won by Pam Rowlands, who is a member of the committee of another Beautiful Scotland group – Melrose in Bloom!

I think you’ll agree, it’s an exquisite prize.

Wheatfield Community Backgreen OPEN DAY August 5, 2011

Wheatfield Backgreen

Wheatfield Backgreen Association, a Beautiful Scotland group based in Edinburgh, would like to invite you all to an open day on Sunday 7th August to view their award winning garden.

They will provide coals for the BBQ and you are more than welcome to bring a picnic on the day.

For more details, visit their website here