Coupar Angus Pride of Place took part this summer in the Take a Pride in Perthshire competition, the judging of “in-bloom” group efforts organised by Perth & Kinross Council. The judging took place at the beginning of August with the awards not being made public until Monday 8th September. Coupar Angus was judged in the Small Country Town Category, along with Pitlochry, Crieff and Blairgowrie and Rattray

The competition not only considers floral displays throughout the year but also covers a wide range of issues including participation by children, community involvement, environmental cleanliness, biodiversity and sustainability amongst other categories. This year, prompted by comments from participating groups, the awards were slightly different with recognition being made in the form of a Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver and Bronze medals, much like the Royal Horticultural Show medals awarded at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Coupar Angus Pride of Place, taking part for only the third time, was awarded a Silver Gilt for their efforts this year, a remarkable achievement.

Following the award of medals for the participating groups in categories, Wee Village, Small Village, Large Village as well as Small Country Towns, discretional awards are made by the judges in recognition of outstanding contributions. Of the 4 discretional awards given on the night, the judges made the very rare decision to present Coupar Angus with two awards, firstly, the prestigious Silver Salver for “Best Community Effort”, and secondly, the award for the “Best Improvement in a Town”. It is the second year in succession that Coupar Angus Pride of Place has won “Best Community Effort” Salver.

Tom Sharpe, Pride of Place Chair, commented that the judges decision to award two discretionary awards to Pride of Place was not only due to the extremely hard working members of the Group but also a reflection of the changing attitude of the residents and businesses of Coupar Angus who are once again taking an interest in their town and a pride in the local environment. He added his thanks to everyone who had helped the Group achieve the awards and hoped that others would get involved to build on this success.