A Wester Ross community garden has again achieved the rare accolade of achieving two more top national awards.
The Gairloch Sitooterie has secured two more top accolades, reflecting ongoing community commitment to and appreciation of an asset created from a virtual wasteland.
Keep Scotland Beautiful, for the sixth successive year, has given its ‘Outstanding’ award to the Sitooterie Wildlife Viewing Garden in Pier Road, Gairloch, under the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ initiative.
In recognition of the continuing annual achievements, a Certificate of Distinction has also been awarded.
The Sitooterie began ten years ago when members of the local community funded the clearing of a small area amid the totally overgrown gorse that dominated the verge alongside Pier Road.
The Sitooterie, created from a strip of wasteland, has been transformed into an outstanding gem of a visitor attraction.
Since then, the garden has steadily expanded to become its current 206-metre length.
Keep Scotland Beautiful assessor, Ian Mitchell, praised the great work carried out by the Sitooterie, recognising its contribution last summer to a programme on BBC TV’s Beechgrove Garden, broadcast throughout the UK.
He also praised the creation of the new, stone-built, flood defence wall, calling it “a great achievement”.
Mr Mitchell admired the garden’s planting and particularly the Boatooterie for “its amazing colour scheme”.
He added: “Good gardening of this Sitooterie group, with the plant choice and design of the garden and great work ethic to enhance this tranquil place. Working together as a group, the enthusiastic commitment and resilience are evident when you visit Gairloch.
“The passion in the planning and the planting make it a welcoming place for all to enjoy. This shows what community work is all about, and the group should be very proud to have achieved what they have done”.
Juliette Camburn, senior officer for community initiatives at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to recognise the incredible achievements of everyone involved in the Gairloch Sitooterie – Wildlife Viewing Garden project with a Level 5 – Outstanding certificate and a Certificate of Distinction in our It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative, which is part of our Scotland-wide Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network.”
The Gairloch sitooterie has transformed an area of wasteland into a local asset and visitor attraction.The Gairloch Sitooterie has become a source of great local pride with a team of volunteers helping maintain its award-winning natural splendour.Picture: Gairloch Sitooterie
Sitooterie team member David Carruthers said that the double award was not only a massive tribute to the hard work and dedication of the team, but also recognised the huge support, particularly financial, for the Sitooterie from the local community.
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