INVERURIE was this week one of 48 communities across Scotland to be judged as part of the Beautiful Scotland campaign.
Nineteen highly experienced judges are travelling the length and breadth of the country during August to discover the most beautiful, clean and sustainable communities in the country.
Yesterday (Wednesday) saw Inverurie receive a visit from the j
udging team. The Garioch capital has entered the 'Medium Town' category thanks to the efforts of Inverurie Environmental Improvement Group.
As part of the judging process, each community will be assessed on: floral displays (for example the design and quality of horticultural features and displays, and standards of maintenance); sustainable development and biodiversity initiatives (such as projects to conserve energy, protect wildlife and habitats, the promotion of green transport, initiatives for waste minimisation, recycling, re-use and composting); environmental quality (for example the absence of litter, dog fouling, graffiti, fly-posting and weeds); and community involvement.
Winning communities will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in the Brunton Hall, Musselburgh on Wednesday, September 17. This year the Royal Horticultural Society medal system (Bronze, Silver, Silver Gilt and Gold) is being introduced, which means that most, if not all, groups will be rewarded for their efforts.
The overall winners will receive the sought after Rosebowl Trophy and Best Village Shield, and there will also be a further 17 discretionary awards for outstanding performance in a specific area, such as biodiversity, tourism, and waste management. A selection of the winning communities will also be nominated for entry into the 2009 Britain in Bloom final.
Chairman of the Beautiful Scotland Advisory Group, Keith Jackson, said: "The judges' visit is the culmination of a year's hard work by entrant groups. This is their chance to show the judges how their projects to improve the environment have benefited their community.
"The campaign provides a focus and reward for these projects, and local people should feel proud of their achievements in helping their area become a better place to live and work. I wish all entrants the best of luck in this year's campaign."
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