Organised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, the community groups were recognised for their efforts to improve their areas and make them a nicer place for people to live, work and visit. The winners from South Lanarkshire were:

• Grow Uddingston - Urban Community Award and Jim Murdie Trophy for Sustainability (for their tree planting project), as well as receiving a Gold certificate (pictured above)
• Bonnie Blantyre - Young People Award as well as receiving a runner up certificate in the Community Involvement Award category and a Gold certificate (unable to attend)
• Flourishing Forth - Celebration Award and received a Silver Gilt certificate (pictured below)
• Brighter Bothwell - Certificate of Recognition (unable to attend)

Councillor Robert Brown, the chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Committee, said: “I am delighted that these four groups have been recognised for all the hard work they put in to not only improve how their local community looks but for the positive impact on the climate and biodiversity of their local area.

“I would also like to thank the council’s Grounds Services team who have worked closely with all of these groups, providing knowledge and assistance where possible, especially in relation to their work tackling climate change through tree planting programmes.”

This year, 38 groups from all over Scotland were presented with awards and Certificates of Recognition at the Beautiful Scotland awards which were hosted by Aberdeen City Council at Duthie Park, Aberdeen.

Juliette Camburn, Senior Officer, Community Initiatives at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I’d like to wish huge congratulations to our fantastic South Lanarkshire groups who were honoured at this year’s Beautiful Scotland awards.

“It was wonderful to be in Aberdeen once again to celebrate the brilliant efforts of groups from across Scotland who do so much to improve our local communities.

“We’re facing climate and nature crises in Scotland, and everyone must play their part to halt biodiversity loss and to protect and enhance nature. The efforts of our groups, and all involved in their communities, is truly inspiring, ensuring their local areas are not only protected but improved for future generations.”

A full list of winners can be found here.

Beautiful Scotland, part of the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network, is run in association with the Royal Horticultural Society.