As we mark Climate Week (29 September – 5 October), the Capital has been recognised for leadership in sustainability, biodiversity, and community green space excellence
Edinburgh received a prestigious set of accolades at the Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards, including:
- Gold Medal
- New Entrant Award
- Wright Sustainability Award
- Garden for Life Biodiversity Award
- City Category Award
Working in close partnership with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the award submission celebrated the very best of Edinburgh. It highlighted some of the city’s fantastic community spaces, such as Bridgend Allotments, Jock Tamson’s Gairden, Holyrood Park and the Cyrenians Royal Edinburgh Garden.
Judges were impressed by the vibrant culture of volunteering in Edinburgh and commented on the great visitor experience. They were particularly captivated by the longstanding tradition of the Floral Clock in West Princes Street Gardens.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said:
These awards highlight the outstanding work happening across our city from internationally renowned gardens to grassroots community projects.
They are testament to the tireless work of our dedicated Council teams, our incredible volunteers and community groups, and those who have nurtured our green spaces.
Celebrating this recognition during Climate Week shows there’s no better time to get out into nature and enjoy our award-winning parks.
Curator of Living Collections at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, David Knott, said:
We are extremely fortunate to have such a fantastic diversity of greenspaces throughout the City of Edinburgh.
This award recognises not only the importance and value of these greenspaces but also the tremendous work and effort by all the people who maintain them.
Climate Week is an ideal time to get out and enjoy the many fine parks and gardens across Edinburgh.
This Climate Week, as Scotland’s capital and economic centre, Edinburgh wants to make sure that a cleaner, greener and fairer future for everyone is at the heart of climate plans. Find out more about climate action in Edinburgh and preparing the city for climate change.