Strathaven Park has won the prestigious award from environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful for the 12th year in a row, while Cambuslang Park and Castlebank Park have now won it 11 and nine years respectively.

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

Councillor Robert Brown, the Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources, said: “I am once again delighted that these parks have been rewarded such an accolade.

“A huge thank you must go to our council grounds team and the friends of the parks groups for the continual hard work and dedication they put in to ensure that these parks are recognised again and again.

“South Lanarkshire has a range of great parks, ranging from our green flag award parks to smaller local ones. They give huge enjoyment to people, local residents and visitors alike.

“Our green spaces are more than just lovely places to visit, they provide exercise, improve mental wellbeing and provide safe spaces for everyone to relax in and play.”

The international Green Flag Award is administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful and acts as a benchmark for recreational outdoor space.

Jamie Ormiston, Training and Accreditation Coordinator at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Congratulations to all of our winners across Scotland. Receiving this prestigious award recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

“What is most pleasing is the number of consecutive winners we have once again, showcasing the parks’ longevity and desire to continually be a welcoming and environmentally friendly place for all.”

A detailed map of Scotland’s Green Flag sites can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/parks