Seven parks in the north-east have achieved Green Flag status – an international scheme set up to recognise well-managed parks and green spaces.
The accolade is awarded for stand-out sustainable and safe outdoor spaces across the country.
In Aberdeen, Duthie Park, Hazlehead Park, Johnston Park, Seaton Park and, a new winner for 2018, Victoria Park have all won the award.
The accolade is presented every year after an on-site assessment is carried out to make sure each park meets the eight pillars of the award. They are judged on whether the open space is welcoming, safe, healthy and sustainably managed.
In Scotland 71 parks have achieved Green Flag Award status this year joining more than 1,700 across the UK, and further afield in New Zealand, Finland and Germany.
Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I would like to congratulate the successful Aberdeen entries and indeed all 71 parks from across Scotland for achieving this prestigious benchmark.
“The Green Flag Award scheme sets the standard for the management of our outdoor spaces and recognises the hard work of everyone involved.
“This award is a tribute to local people in Aberdeen playing their part in creating and maintaining exceptional open spaces.”
Awards were also given to Aden Country Park in Mintlaw and Haddo Park near Tarves in Aberdeenshire.
Chair of the Aberdeenshire Council infrastructure services committee, Councillor Peter Argyle, said: Aden and Haddo are true jewels in the Aberdeenshire crown. They are hugely popular attractions and are visited by many people from this area and beyond each year. Their history, heritage and beauty make them instantly recognisable and it is reassuring to see these award statuses renewed.”
The Green Flag scheme recognises the provision of clean, safe outdoor spaces, making sure that everyone has access to quality green and open spaces the length and breadth of the country.
John Howie, organisational lead for health equity at NHS Health Scotland, said: “Where we live and where we spend our time has an important influence on our health and wellbeing.
“NHS Health Scotland is delighted that the Green Flag Award recognises these qualities and celebrates the invaluable efforts of Keep Scotland Beautiful, partners and communities across the country to ensure our public places continue to contribute to our health and wellbeing in a positive manner.”
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Jenny Laing said: “We’re delighted that five of our beautiful parks have been awarded Green Flag status as exceptional parks, including Victoria Park for the first time.
“Our parks have something for everyone, whether family-friendly activities, sports, or just a stunning place to look at the abundance of flowers, plants and wildlife in a city, and we look forward to welcoming people from near and far to them in the coming months.”
