MEMBERS of the public have been bowled over by some blooming marvellous wheelbarrows.

Blooming Haddington held its second-ever Wheelbarrow Trail, with nearly 20 colourful planters created in the wheelbarrows.

Laura Samuel, chairwoman of the green-fingered team of volunteers, said that the number of wheelbarrows was down on last year but put that down to the coronavirus pandemic.

The competition was launched last year with about 50 wheelbarrows, which were planted ahead of a visit by judges from Britain in Bloom, with a map produced highlighting the location of each wheelbarrow.

Laura was pleased to say that people had still got behind the wheelbarrow initiative, despite “a challenging year”.

Members of the public were given the chance to vote on their favourite colourful wheelbarrow, with a selection of images posted on social media.

Brian Galloway was crowned the winner, with his “stunning” NHS/care/frontline tribute created on Yester Place, with second place going to Our Community Kitchen, and Hailes Retirement Living Community rounding off the podium.

A trophy is to be presented to Mr Galloway, while those behind the second and third placed entries will receive rosettes for their efforts.

Despite the global pandemic, the hard-working volunteers have been busy ensuring the town is still looking impressive.

Blooming Haddington is holding its AGM in November, when Laura will step down as chairwoman.

She said: “We have been having Zoom meetings for our meetings and we have got our AGM planned for November 1, which is a Sunday afternoon.

“We are planning to have it in the Pleasance Garden, weather dependent.

“We feel that the people who want to attend will not do social media and so the next option is to hold the meeting in the garden and people can bring their own chair.”

The group’s hard work has not gone unnoticed and was highlighted by the town’s community council.

Long-standing chairwoman Jan Wilson praised Rab Moran and said: “Rab is always out watering the baskets.

“The flowers are looking absolutely fabulous, so well done to Rab and the team.

“It is nice to see the flowers because now you can get out and about to see them a lot more.”