Thousands turn out for city events

TENS of thousands of people turned out to enjoy two major events over the weekend.

Despite the cold weather, more than 15,000 people attended the two-day Meadows Festival, while an estimated 35,000 visitors enjoyed this year's Gardening Scotland event at the Royal Highland Centre.

The Meadows Festival - which featured live music and stalls - was hailed a huge success by organisers and sponsor Viridor.

Fred Mackintosh, convener of the Meadows Festival Association, said: "There has been something for everyone. What's more, there has been little clearing up to do thanks to the hard work of the cleansing personnel.

"It has definitely been a great weekend."

Gardening Scotland, the biggest date in the country's horticultural calendar, featured 14 outdoor gardens and the largest plant sale in Scotland.

The theme of this year's colourful Living Garden was Alice in Wonderland.

Highlights of the three-day event included the Floral Hall, the centrepiece of the show, the 14 show gardens and the Pallet Garden, which showed off the artistic creations of hundreds of youngsters.

Ex-service charity Poppyscotland's show garden won four awards in an unprecedented clean sweep of prizes.