A welcome splash of colour in Wick
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A GROUP of selfless volunteers have created a riot of colour throughout the streets of Wick.
At a time when many are struggling after months of lockdown, the baskets and planters dotted throughout the town centre are a welcome treat for the eye.
Donald Harper, chairperson of the Wick Flower and Hanging Baskets Committee, said: "It's great to see some colour round the town – more so this year with the council not putting any flowers out."
He said that the volunteers started planting around May, though there was some maintenance work done prior to that.
"It's mostly annuals being planted with anything perennial being put on the Academy Braes if they survive."
The hanging baskets committee is a subcommittee of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and on Monday some of the volunteers attached to it agreed to be pictured next to their display on the steps of Wick War Memorial.
Volunteer Anne Duffy said: "Greens Nurseries kindly delivered the flowers to us. There are nine of us altogether doing the work."
The display surrounding them included begonias, geraniums, dahlias, violas and snapdragons.
Another volunteer, Eswyl Fell, said: "People tell us they are really delighted to see the town looking so colourful, especially during lockdown which was a depressing time."
The hanging baskets committee team are looking for volunteers to join them and help out with future projects such as the floral clock beside Wick Town Hall.
Anne said: "You don't need to be particularly green-fingered to help out and it's very rewarding work as regards mental health."
Flower tubs and baskets can also be seen around the harbour, along Bridge Street, at various locations on High Street and down River Street.
The group has a Facebook page for anyone interested in helping.
