Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine put down a motion in Parliament congratulating Edinburgh for picking up a number of prestigious Green Flag awards for their outdoor spaces.

The city won 33 of the awards, which are given when an outdoor space attains the highest benchmarks for natural beauty and quality of greenspace.  The environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful runs the competition and 71 were handed out across Scotland overall.

Ms Jardine, who has herself recently launched a clean air campaign her constituency, congratulated the hard work of staff and volunteers who have helped bring the awards to Edinburgh.

Ms Jardine commented: “I am delighted that Edinburgh is raising the bar when it comes to having exceptional outdoor space.  These days, we are very aware of the benefits that being out and about has for our physical and mental health, and this makes easy access to beautiful green space even more important.

“Not to mention how much it adds to the attractiveness of our capital.  Great parks provide places where children can play and families can spend time together, and I am proud that we have so many to choose from on our doorstep.

“Of course, it takes such a big community effort.  Thanks to all those who go the extra mile all year round to make our outdoor spaces so well maintained, it is wonderful to see your time and effort recognised.  You have certainly done your bit to make our environment better.

“And I have plenty options for places I can walk the dog, a win-win situation!”

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.