A Wester Ross community garden has again achieved the rare accolade of achieving two more top national awards.<\/p>\n
The Gairloch Sitooterie has secured two more top accolades, reflecting ongoing community commitment to and appreciation of an asset created from a virtual wasteland.<\/p>\n
Keep Scotland Beautiful, for the sixth successive year, has given its \u2018Outstanding\u2019 award to the Sitooterie Wildlife Viewing Garden in Pier Road, Gairloch, under the \u2018It’s Your Neighbourhood\u2019 initiative.<\/p>\n
In recognition of the continuing annual achievements, a Certificate of Distinction has also been awarded.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Sitooterie, created from a strip of wasteland, has been transformed into an outstanding gem of a visitor attraction.<\/p>\n
Since then, the garden has steadily expanded to become its current 206-metre length.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He also praised the creation of the new, stone-built, flood defence wall, calling it “a great achievement”.<\/p>\n
Mr Mitchell admired the garden’s planting and particularly the Boatooterie for “its amazing colour scheme”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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”.<\/p>\n
Juliette Camburn, senior officer for community initiatives at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: \u201cWe\u2019re absolutely delighted to recognise the incredible achievements of everyone involved in the Gairloch Sitooterie \u2013 Wildlife Viewing Garden project with a Level 5 \u2013 Outstanding certificate and a Certificate of Distinction in our It\u2019s Your Neighbourhood initiative, which is part of our Scotland-wide Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n