The formal gardens and central woodland at Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh Campus have been awarded a Green Flag by Keep Scotland Beautiful, the independent environmental charity, for the third year running.
The Award, one of thirty two made in the Lothians, is the benchmark for a quality green space. Parks are assessed by volunteer judges who usually have a background in parks management, conservation or ecology. They judge against eight criteria testing whether the park or green space is: welcoming; healthy, safe and secure; clean and well-maintained; sustainable; manages conservation and heritage; has community involvement; markets itself, and has good management.
We continue to be the only Scottish University to feature on the Awards listing and this award is a very welcome recognition of what has been achieved on the campus thanks to the long-term commitment and hard work of all of our Estates colleagues.
Malcolm Deans, Director of Campus Services at Heriot-Watt, said, "We are delighted that for the third year in succession Heriot- Watt University has been successful in being awarded a Green Flag Award for our lawn and central woodlands at our Edinburgh campus. Our grounds and landscaping are a wonderful asset for the University and very much enjoyed by our staff and students alike.
"We continue to be the only Scottish University to feature on the Awards listing and this award is a very welcome recognition of what has been achieved on the campus thanks to the long-term commitment and hard work of all of our Estates colleagues."
Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said, "Everyone involved should be proud of their achievement. The hard work of the local authorities, Heriot-Watt University, Friends of Corstorphine Hill and the hundreds of volunteers who keep our parks beautiful is clearly paying off.
"All over Scotland people are caring for their towns, cities and green spaces. Whether it's through Green Flag or our other programmes such as Clean Up Scotland and Beautiful Scotland, local people are raising the bar and making their communities great places to live in."