THREE Stirling parks have received national recognition through the Green Flag Award.

Environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, has announced that a record breaking 73 parks from across Scotland have been presented with a Green Flag Award this year. The awards are in recognition of their high standards and provision of quality outdoor space - with three being awarded in Stirling.

The Green Flag Award, administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful, is the benchmark for green space.

The three Stirling parks, run by Stirling Council, have received the award acknowledging the quality outdoor space that they provide and the wider benefits they deliver for communities - including enabling and encouraging exercise, improving mental well-being and encouraging play for child development.

The three Stirling parks are Pullar Memorial Park, Ladywell Park and Beechwood Park.

Stirling Council joins other local authorities, universities and community groups who are amongst the 2017 award winners. For the first time, awards were received by Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen, Silver Sands and Hawkcraig Point and Haugh Park in Fife and Dundee Law, Dundee.

Stirling Council’s Environment and Housing Committee Convenor, Councillor Jim Thomson, said:

“I'm delighted that Stirling Council has achieved three Green Flag Awards this year. We have been working closely with the local communities in Bridge of Allan, Bannockburn and Torbrex to make sure our parks meet the highest standards.

“All three parks maintained their Green Flag status for the second year in a row. Over several years we have worked hard to make sure Pullar Memorial Park, Ladywell Park and Beechwood Park provide places that local residents are proud of and can enjoy. A big well done and thank you to all the staff who work to maintain and improve our parks every day.”

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, commented:

“I would like to congratulate Stirling Council for receiving this prestigious benchmark at three of its parks this year. It is pleasing to see their continued success and the number of Green Flag Awards in Scotland increasing year on year.

“Good quality green open spaces are vital to the health and wellbeing of local communities, families and individuals. Parks and open spaces are a fantastic asset - they are free to use and provide opportunities to exercise and socialise.

“With more Scottish parks flying the Green Flag Award than ever before, this record breaking number is a testament to the determination of park managers, local authorities and volunteers - whose hard work in turn brings about a raft of wider impacts on the community as a whole.”

The Awards have gained the support of NHS Health Scotland and greenspace Scotland - for helping to support quality outdoor environments and facilitate the wider health benefits. Full comments can be accessed here.

All parks are assessed by volunteer judges with a background in parks management, conservation or ecology.

Applicants are judged against demanding criteria which include assessing whether the park or green space is welcoming and well-maintained.