Blooming fingers crossed!

Fingers, green and otherwise, are crossed after Keep Scotland Beautiful judges last week reviewed Bute in Bloom's entry for this year.

Bute in Blooms Wee Photies take a bow in front of committee members and Keep Scotland Beautiful judges.

The Beautiful Scotland winners in the Royal Horticultural Society event will be announced on September 6.

The Bute is in the coastal towns category. There are three elements to each entry, covering horticulture, environmental impact and community involvement. Points are awarded in each element with 200 the perfect score.

Although peaking in the summer months, Bute in Bloom’s activity is year-round with everyone on the island able to contribute even in a small way towards a favourable assessment every August.

Bute in Bloom's Iain Gillespie (left) with judges Liz Stewart and June Tainsh.

Apart from planting and maintaining flower arrangements in fairer weather, last year’s winter saw the painting of 150 metres of shoreside railings, the repair and repainting of over 30 benches and the repainting and detailed highlighting of the ornate lamp posts on the seafront.

Chair of Bute in Bloom, Iain Gillespie, was full of praise for everyone who has helped this year. He said: “From the children of the Apple Tree Nursery and Rothesay Primary School, local charities and businesses, I have to thank everyone for their pride in the island’s appearance.

“The not inconsiderable challenges of the Beast from the East followed by the hot, dry summer have been met with a commendable ‘can do’ attitude from all concerned.”

During their visit, the judges were taken to see the planting on the site of the old West Church as well as the planting at Apple Tree Nursery

Iain added: “A photographic journey compiled by three girls recording Rothesay Primary School pupils’ hard work in the campus polytunnel under the guidance of teacher Maureen Shaw was well received. Well done the ‘wee photies’.

“Thankfully, this year’s review was conducted without the rain that bedevilled last year’s visit.

“The business of the day concluded, the team, judges and local representatives were entertained to a buffet lunch laid on by Beverley Scoullar and her team at the recently opened Lade Centre in Ladeside Place. And yes, the shortbread fingers were crossed!”