Edinburgh Parks Increase Tally of Green Flags

Edinburgh's Parks and green spaces have won a record 24 Green Flag Awards in the UK competition this year. The total is four more than last year's tally and amounts to over half of all flags given out in Scotland.

Four of the city’s parks were recognised by the award scheme for the very first time this year. They were Ravelston Park and Woods, Lochend Park, Prestonfield Park, and Ferry Glen & Back Braes.

In total 44 flags were awarded in Scotland this year, up from 34 on the year before.

In Edinburgh, Corstorphine Hill LNR Community Walled Garden and Redhall Walled Garden were also recipients of a Green Flag Community Award.

Parks and gardens entered for the Green Flag Award are judged against eight key criteria such as the sustainability, safety and cleanliness of the environment. Those applicants that are deemed to have achieved "excellence in environmental standards" will be awarded a flag.

“We’re delighted that, once again, Edinburgh is leading the way in providing high quality parks and gardens for our residents," said Councillor Lesley Hinds, Environment Leader.

“The awards positively reflect on the hard work carried out by local communities and staff to ensure Edinburgh’s renowned parks are preserved.”

As part of Love Parks Week, flag raising ceremonies will take place in the four new award-winning parks next week.

The Green Flag winners