FOR a third consecutive year a Borders park has been awarded a Green Flag Award.

Wilton Lodge Park in Hawick has again been recognised by the awards administered by Keep Scotland Beautiful, and is the only green space in the Borders to be awarded.

The awards recognise green spaces in Scotland which are well maintained and offer visitors opportunities to exercise, spend time outdoors in a clean space, and have space for play and exercise.

Deputy Leader for Scottish Borders Council, Scott Hamilton, said: “We’re delighted to have received a Green Flag award, we’re committed to maintaining well managed green spaces and receiving this award acknowledges the hard work and effort everyone has put in towards this.

“As well as being an enormous achievement we hope the Green Flag status encourages even more people to come to this fantastic area and explore the towns and wider opportunities offered by the Scottish Borders.”

Wilton Lodge Park is one of 87 green spaces to be awarded a Green Flag this year.

Jamie Ormiston, senior awards officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, added: “Congratulations to Wilton Lodge Park. Every park has a wide range of people visiting them and their requirements can vary. What is essential is that they are well maintained and provide a place for people to relax and have fun.

“Our award-winning parks have demonstrated they are worthy winners, meeting the criteria of the coveted international award. Receiving this prestigious benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

“It is imperative that Scotland reconnects with the natural world if we are to fix the biodiversity crisis and these green spaces will provide a space for people of all ages to do that.

“Green spaces are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing and it’s fantastic to see such a wide range of parks and green spaces across the entire length of the country. I encourage everyone to make the most of them this summer.”