HERMITAGE Park has been described as a "credit to Helensburgh" and a "very worthy recipient of Green Flag status" by the leader of Argyll and Bute Council.

The Burgh park has once again been recognised as one of the best green spaces in Scotland after environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful awarded it Green Flag status for the second consecutive year.

The Green Flag Award is the benchmark for excellence in green spaces and recognises the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers who help ensure that outdoor areas provide the public with a safe, clean and inspiring local environment.

The cleanliness and maintenance standards in the park impressed this year’s judge, while the standard of horticultural care was also noted and praised.

Members of the public interviewed as part of the process were also positive about the park and its facilities.

The award follows a £3.7million restoration and redevelopment project that includes a new pavilion, upgraded park entrance and plaza, restored war memorial garden, a demonstration garden and upgraded children’s play park.

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The project was awarded more than £2million in grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is managed by Argyll and Bute Council with support from The Friends of Hermitage Park, who were instrumental in starting the project.

Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Robin Currie, said: “Hermitage Park is a credit to Helensburgh. It is a beautiful green space and a very worthy recipient of Green Flag status.

“One of the things which the judge commented on in particular was the environmental management of the park. This is something which is of huge importance to us all, and very relevant as we approach COP26.

“The park is a tremendous asset in our fight against climate change and I must thank the Friends of Hermitage Park, and all the other volunteers who help out, for all their hard work and dedication in helping council staff maintain it to such a high standard.

“The park has great community value. It is a place that people can go and enjoy, but it is also a great educational resource. Just recently, a team of horticulture students from The University of the Highlands and Islands attended as part of their studies, and a successful lime mortar pointing course was held for local people just a few weeks ago.

“These are things that make Hermitage Park unique and I am delighted to see how it has developed and continues to grow.”

A spokesperson for the Friends said: “Receiving a Green Flag is a remarkable achievement. We hope this accolade will encourage ongoing improvement to the horticulture and maintenance standards at the park.”