Wick proves it's blooming marvellous
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WICK is a “gem”, according to judges from Beautiful Scotland.
Sandra Maclennan and Jim Finnie were astounded by the number of volunteer groups in the area and were delighted with how good the town looked.
They made the comments when members of Wick’s flower baskets committee gave them a grand tour of the town on Monday.
Chairwoman Joanna Coghill said that although the weather was against them – there were showers for most of the day – she has her fingers crossed that the town’s entry to this year’s Scotland in Bloom competition will be a success.
“We had a good two hours and we ended up running out of time. They just couldn’t believe there are so many voluntary groups in the town,” said Mrs Coghill.
“They were just astounded that there is so much happening in Wick. The guy actually said that we definitely have a gem here, and we said ‘we know’. They couldn’t believe Wick was so lovely.”
The judges were shown around the town’s heritage museum and the memorial garden in Bank Row before heading down to the ?harbour. They then went to Hillhead Primary School, Argyle Square and the Riverside camp site where they viewed more work in the community as well as the floral displays that the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council sub-group strives to make as vibrant as possible through the year.
The group now faces an anxious wait until September 12 when the winners will be announced.
Last year the town won a silver award and Mrs Coghill said they would be thrilled to do well again. The judging for Beautiful ?Scotland’s Scotland in Bloom competition focuses on three main themes – horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.
The cleanliness of the area, the level of graffiti and sustainability issues, such as recycling, are all taken into account and contribute to the entrant achieving either a bronze, silver, silver gilt or gold medal.
The best entry in each category receives a trophy and entrants also compete for special awards in such areas as biodiversity, sustainability and community ?involvement.
