Ormiston Park has been recognised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Green Flag Award for the third year running.

Recognising the very best of Scotland’s outdoor areas, the International Green Flag Award acts as a benchmark for clean, safe and well-maintained parks and green spaces.

Winners of the 2023 awards include parks managed by local authorities, community groups, universities and other organisations.

Ormiston Park, managed by Friends of Ormiston Park, has won a community award for the third consecutive year.

Lindsey Mainds, chair of Friends of Ormiston Park, said: “Friends of Ormiston Park are delighted to have been awarded the Green Flag Community Award for the third year.

“The recognition of all the group’s members’ efforts over the past few years are a real boost. We all feel the real reward is seeing the continued use of the facilities and outdoor space by the local community and visitors to the park.

“The preservation of the landscape and biodiversity improvements also continues to improve due to the commitment of the wider community and volunteers.”

Jamie Ormiston, senior awards officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Congratulations to Ormiston Park.

“Every park has a wide range of people visiting them and their requirements can vary. What is essential is that they are well maintained and provide a place for people to relax and have fun.

“Our award-winning parks have demonstrated they are worthy winners, meeting the criteria of the coveted international award. Receiving this prestigious benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

“It is imperative that Scotland reconnects with the natural world if we are to fix the biodiversity crisis and these green spaces will provide a space for people of all ages to do that. Green spaces are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing and it’s fantastic to see such a wide range of parks and green spaces across the entire length of the country. I encourage everyone to make the most of them this summer.”

A total of 87 green spaces in Scotland have won a Green Flag Award for 2023.

Across the UK there were 2,216 winners, a record number and up eight from 2022’s total of 2,208.