ABERLADY in Bloom put on a show when Beautiful Scotland judges came to visit the village.

Beautiful Scotland judges Colin Ainsworth and Gregor McGillivray were casting their expert eyes over Aberlady’s entry.

Administered by Keep Scotland Beautiful, a member of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Bloom Federation, Beautiful Scotland recognises the efforts of local authorities, communities and businesses which work tirelessly to improve their local cities, towns and villages.

Aberlady in Bloom entered in the Coastal Village category.

Three themes were examined over the course of the judging tour – horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility.

Ian Malcolm, Aberlady in Bloom secretary, said: “I hope we have impressed Colin and Gregor, the two judges.

“The village pulled together magnificently to put on a good show. The judges certainly looked happy at the tour end, helped no doubt by the pass of a group of low-flying geese – it looked like they dipped their wings in salute!

“Communities will be presented with medal certificates at an award ceremony in September and we’ll have to wait until then to learn how we fared.

“We are grateful for the support of East Lothian Council throughout.”

Some of the winners from Beautiful Scotland 2021 will go on to represent Scotland in the UK-wide RHS Britain in Bloom Finals in 2022.

Juliette Camburn, from Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Communities, local authorities and businesses that enter Beautiful Scotland have already made a massive contribution to ensuring that our country is a nicer place to live, visit and work.

“We are facing a climate and nature emergency but our research has shown that in the last year over 40 per cent of people have spent more time using outside space in their neighbourhoods, reconnecting with the environment and their communities.

“The entrants pull people together to build stronger communities and continue to make a massive difference to Scotland’s environment while having fun at the same time.

“I’d like to wish all the entrants the best of luck and look forward to celebrating all their achievements with them at the 2021 award ceremony in September.”

Communities including Haddington and North Berwick have also been visited by the judges in recent weeks.