SEVEN county green-fingered groups have been recognised for their efforts to support and enhance their local communities for the climate and nature.

More than 200 community groups across Scotland were praised at a virtual Beautiful Scotland and It’s Your Neighbourhood seminar.

Belhaven Hospital Community Garden, Friends of Gilsland Woodland, Glorious Gullane Bloomers, Growing Matters at Gilmerton House Kitchen Garden, Lime Grove Community Garden, Ormiston Blooms Together and The Ridge were all highlighted during the meeting.

Catherine Gee, deputy CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, congratulated all those involved.

She said: “It is brilliant to be celebrating the work of these communities in East Lothian who are taking action now.

“We know that, across Scotland, people are committed to improving and enhancing the places that they care about.

“These people are making a real difference and I would like to thank them for inspiring us every day.”

Each of the seven groups was rated out of five.

Belhaven Hospital Community Garden, Ormiston Blooms Together and The Ridge all received the top mark of five: outstanding.

Glorious Gullane Bloomers and Growing Matters at Gilmerton House Kitchen Garden, near Athelstaneford, received a rating of four: thriving.

Finally, Friends of Gilsland Woodland and Lime Grove Community Garden, of North Berwick, were awarded two: improving.

Growing Matters at Gilmerton House Kitchen Garden and The Ridge also receiving a Certificate of Distinction for continuous improvement.

The annual seminar celebrated everything that the entrants, from 30 local authority areas, had achieved in their communities to combat climate change and support biodiversity.

It’s Your Neighbourhood entrants were visited by one of 23 trained volunteer assessors who provided their support, expertise and guidance through the It’s Your Neighbourhood framework, which is a part of the UK-wide RHS Britain in Bloom campaign.

Kay Clark, RHS community development manager, said: “Community gardening groups are showing that, through their work, they can bring communities together, transform outdoor spaces and work in support of wildlife and the local environment.”