Bloom Groups

Aberfeldy is a small market town on the banks of the River Tay in Highland Perthshire. Robert Burns immortalised the town in his poem the Birks O' Aberfeldy and the town also is known for its Wade's Bridge, built in 1733; General Wade considered this bridge to be his greatest accomplishment.

Feldy in Flower

Feldy in Flower (formerly Aberfeldy Move2Improve ) is a local group of volunteers which aims to make Aberfeldy a brighter and more colourful environment for residents and visitors. New volunteers and new project ideas are always welcome!

To learn more, follow Feldy in Flower on Facebook.

Activities

The group encourages home owners, shop keepers and other businesses to keep their premises tidy and attractive and to encourage youth participation. It also promotes sponsorship of approved projects and co-ordinates the efforts of various different groups, all working together to improve Aberfeldy for residents and visitors. Volunteers plant and maintain various areas in the town and provide hanging baskets for lamp posts and basket trees. Aberfeldy businesses contribute to their own baskets which includes watering. Perth & Kinross Council helps with an annual budget which offsets some of the cost of the baskets.

The volunteers have also completed many environmental improvement projects over the years. Most recently, the Aberfeldy Lower Birks project (pictured left) significantly improved the environment at the Lower Birks. Work got underway in September 2017 and was completed in October 2018 when an official opening ceremony was held.

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Abernethy village lies 13km south of Perth where the Nethy Burn joins the River Tay. Once an important Pictish site, it was here that the Treaty of Abernethy was signed in 1072 between William the Conqueror and Malcolm III of Scotland. The village has one of Scotland's only two surviving Irish-style round towers, now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, and several pieces of Pictish or early medieval sculpture. Formed in January 2015 Abernethy In Bloom welcomes everyone who cares about the village. You do not need to have any expert knowledge of plants or gardening to belong, just a love of working with other people and a willingness to give an hour or so a month to projects designed to make the village a more beautiful place - and have some fun and make new friends at the same time. See the Abernethy In Bloom Blog for upcoming opportunities to lend a hand and updates on current progress.

The Heritage Garden Project

Abernethy in Bloom celebrated the completion of their ambitious Heritage Garden project with an official opening on Sunday 9th June 2024. This project, conceived over five years ago, aimed to transform an underutilised corner in the heart of Abernethy into a vibrant community garden, rest area, and outdoor hub for residents and visitors alike.

The project was developed in two phases due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent increases in material and labour costs. Thanks to additional fundraising efforts, Abernethy in Bloom was able to complete the garden to its original specifications. The garden features a rustic stone wall, accessible pathways, seating, a listening post, and solar lighting. A focal point of the garden is the three bespoke salmon-shaped paving stones, reflecting Abernethy’s historical ties to fishing on the rivers Tay and Earn.

Information boards, created in collaboration with Abernethy Museum, detail the village's medieval monastic, agricultural, fishing, and manufacturing history. The garden's planting display, curated by Abernethy in Bloom members with contributions of home-grown plants from local residents, further reflects the history of the village.

The project was aided by the Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association, which provided project management support and helped to secure funding from generous donors, including the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, the Gannochy Trust, National Lottery Awards for All, Perth & Kinross Council, Grocers Hall, the Mushroom Trust, ArtRoots (Sustrans), the Jimmie Cairncross Charitable Trust, Arnold Clark Foundation, and WM Mann Foundation. Local fundraising efforts carried out by Abernethy in Bloom, supported by the local community including local potato producer Branston Ltd., were also crucial to the project's success.

Dr. Karen McDonnell, Chair of the Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association, expressed her delight at the project’s success. She said: "I’m thrilled that the Heritage Garden has already been so warmly embraced by the local community and visitors to Abernethy. This project is a testament to the Association’s commitment to fostering green spaces and community engagement by supporting local bloom groups to deliver these legacy projects. The garden will serve as a vibrant hub for residents to come together, enjoy a peaceful outdoor space, and strengthen community bonds."

RHS Parks and Green Spaces Award

Abernethy in Bloom won the prestigious 'Parks and Green Spaces Award' at the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom 2021 competition. Due to the Covid restrictions, the RHS ran the awards 'virtually', with the entrants submitting information and photos of their work for the judges to assess. Abernethy in Bloom submitted its entry for Nurse Peattie's Garden in the heart of village and were up against stiff competition from other bloom groups across the UK. They are a small but very active group and were absolutely delighted to win. Well done to everyone involved!

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Aberuthven is a small village approximately 4 kilometres north-east of Auchterarder and 20 kilometres south-west of Perth.

The voluntary group 'Aberuthven Ablaze' was re-established in 2010 to enhance the village environment. The volunteers have enhanced the village with floral containers of spring bulbs and summer bedding plants. They have also planted bulbs for spring display in the garden surrounding the War Memorial garden and in the grass verges throughout the village. Displays of flowers at both ends of the village and hanging baskets on Main Street are also provided, and the group maintains the Ruthven Garden in co-operation with Perth and Kinross Council.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

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Alyth is a small town in Perth and Kinross that lies near the Hill of Alyth, five miles northeast of Blairgowrie. The nearby settlement of New Alyth lies on the A926 road southwest of the main village. Alyth in Bloom was formed in 2000 to improve the appearance and environment of the town. Below are details of their recent projects, at Alyth Burn Side, Toutie Street and at the entrance to the town.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

Official Opening of Burn Side

23 July 2022

We were delighted to join volunteers from Alyth in Bloom to watch our Chairman Bill Ronald cut the ribbon to celebrate the official opening of the revitalised Alyth Burn Side. The Burn Side improvement project was an ambitious and exciting community-led initiative to transform and improve the appearance, access and biodiversity of the burn side at Pitnacree Street in Alyth.

Previously the site was overgrown with head-high bamboo with no suitable pedestrian path, forcing people to walk along the road. Five years on, the site has been transformed into a scenic and fully accessible area that has vastly improved the look of the burn side, as well as creating a safe pedestrian pathway. In addition to the ground works, the area has been further enhanced by the planting of ten new trees, the installation of a listening post and an information board, seating and floral display planters, with the finishing touch of a unique stained glass and timber sculpture by local artist Lesley Garside.

Bill Ronald said: “Having been closely involved with this challenging project over the last five years, I’m delighted that the Burn Side is now officially open – this is one of the most ambitious projects the Association has supported and its success is thanks to the hard work, commitment and perseverance of the Alyth in Bloom volunteers. It is a great example of what can be achieved by a small group of enthusiastic volunteers with the support of their local community.”

Alyth in Bloom volunteers said: “We are thrilled the Burn Side has been officially opened – this marks the end of a real labour of love. Although we always knew this project was going to be a huge undertaking, we also had to contend with some unexpected challenges including having to repair a crumbling burn retention wall, coping with a flood that washed out recently laid hardcore, and dealing with the effects of a global pandemic that stopped work for several months and resulted in cost increases and material shortages.”

Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association provided project management support and helped to fundraise over £155,000 from a range of generous funders, including the Scottish Landfill Community Trust, SSE Drumderg, Perth and Kinross Council, Alyth Development Trust, Tesco, Thomson Charitable Trust and Airlie Estates. Alyth in Bloom also carried out fundraising activities in which they were generously supported by the local community. Landscape architect, Chris Palmer, produced the designs, specifications, costings and contract documents for the project.

The Alyth Burn Side Project

March 2022

After frustrating delays caused by Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions in 2020 and 2021, the fruits of Alyth in Bloom's labours on the Alyth Burn Side project have finally come to fruition! This was the most ambitious project ever undertaken by Alyth in Bloom and it was delivered in partnership with ourselves in the Take a Pride in P&K Association. The project has transformed the area alongside Alyth Burn, which runs though the heart of the town.

Entrance to Alyth - drystone wall project

The main road entrance to Alyth was greatly enhanced in 2018 by a project that brought together Alyth in Bloom and Alyth Arts & Crafts Guild. They worked together to create a lovely feature to welcome locals and visitors to the town (pictured top left). The drystone wall complements the Bloom group's new planting at the entrance to the town. The striking central stone features a bull in the Pictish style, carved by local artist David McGovern of Monikie Rockart. It reflects the fact that Alyth lies in the centre of the area of Scotland historically occupied by the native Picts. It also echoes Alyth’s long association with cattle droving. Members of Alyth Youth Partnership and Aylth in Bloom helped with the building of the wall.

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Auchterarder is a small town located north of the Ochil Hills in Perth and Kinross and is home to the famous Gleneagles Hotel. The 1.5-mile-long High Street gave the town its popular name of "The Lang Toun" or Long Town.

The Auchterarder Bloom Association aims to provide the town with colourful features throughout the Spring and Summer months, making it attractive for both residents and visitors. Volunteers grow on approximately 2500 plug plants in the group's polytunnel from April to mid June each year, and plant them out for the summer. That display stays in place until September/October, when it is then replaced with later-flowering such as polyanthus, tulips and pansies.

In 2019 the group, with support from Take a Pride in P&K Association and a number of supporters and funders, completed an ambitious project to transform Garrie's Corner in the centre of the town into a green and welcoming community space (pictured left). Read more about the project in this case study.

Contact us via the details at the top of the page if you'd like to know more about Auchterarder in Bloom.

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The village of Balbeggie is on the A94 about 11 km north east of Perth.

Founded in 2014, the local voluntary group Blooming Balbeggie aims to improve the environment in and around the village. This group has planted bulbs for spring in tubs and along the road side, fills half-barrel planters and wooden troughs with bright plants in the summer and has planted trees. It has tidied the village and has joined in with the local primary school to grow some flowers for the planters. Visit the village's Facebook page for more information.

If you want to help the group, let us know. Our contact details are at the top of this page.

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The village of Blackford lies approximately 8 km from Auchterarder, just off the A9 between Perth and Stirling. It is home to two major drink-producing companies, the Highland Spring Water Company and the Tullibardine whisky distillery.

The voluntary group 'Blackford is Brighter' was formed in 1997 to enhance the local environment. Since then, volunteers have provided many lovely displays, including hanging baskets, troughs and half barrels filled with flowers and placed along the main street.

With sponsorship from Highland Spring Water Company Ltd an old farm cart, with traditional wooden wheels, has been installed in a flower bed at the entrance to the village to create a distinctive feature.

Visit the Blackford is Brighter website if you'd like to know more.

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Blair Atholl is a village in northern Perthshire at the confluence of the Rivers Tilt and Garry, in one of the few areas of flat land in the midst of the Grampian mountains. It lies within the spectacular scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, just off the A9 road from Perth to Inverness.

Until the early 19th century the only building on the site of the present village was the Old Mill, but it began to grow around the present parish church, largely as a planned settlement, when this was moved from Old Blair. Blair Atholl's most famous feature is Blair Castle, one of Scotland's premier stately homes.The Castle was the traditional home of the Dukes of Atholl, the Duke being the only person in the United Kingdom allowed to raise a private army. Today, this army, known as the Atholl Highlanders, conducts largely social and ceremonial activities, and primarily consists of workers on the extensive Atholl Estates. The voluntary group Blair Atholl in Bloom became a member of the Take a Pride in P&K Association in 2019.

Village Hall Nature Garden project 2023

Set in the centre of this lovely Perthshire village, Blair Atholl Village Hall must be one of the grandest in Scotland! It was originally a Drill Hall used by the Scottish Horse Regiment, but since the 1950’s has been used and managed by the community.

We are embarking on a project with Blair Atholl in Bloom to transform the rather neglected back garden into a beautiful, welcoming community asset. We will be creating a nature garden that will be developed with help from children from local primary and nursery schools. Designs for the garden are being drawn up and fundraising will get underway in 2023.

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The twin burgh of Blairgowrie & Rattray lies on either side of the River Ericht at the foot of the majestic Grampian Mountains. It is at the crossroads of several historic routes, with links from the town to Perth, Coupar Angus, Alyth and Braemar. The Wellmeadow is a lovely green space in the heart of the town.

The 'Blair in Bloom' voluntary group has a dedicated committee which is helped by a variety of groups and volunteers who contribute many hours throughout the year to ensure that the town looks as good as it possibly can. They grow their annual plants from plugs in a heated polytunnel and they fill and sell hanging baskets to raise funds. The group has also undertaken a wide range of ambitious projects that have significantly enhanced the local environment.

2019 - An ambitious new project!

‘Blair in Bloom’ was the first Bloom group in Perth & Kinross and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018. To celebrate this milestone the volunteers have chosen a new project that will renovate Coronation Corner on Croft Lane in Blairgowrie and create a lasting legacy for the town. A garden at the Corner was originally planted to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, but the site has fallen into serious disrepair (see picture bottom left). The volunteers will completely redesign the area, creating accessible paths, sustainable planting and new seating, to make it a pleasant and inviting space for residents and visitors alike. Once complete, Coronation Corner can be used as additional space for the monthly Community Markets, and for entertainment, music groups, art groups and other such community activities.The latest plan for the site can be found here.

To donate to the project, please visit our Just Giving page. Donating is simple and secure, and your donation will help make the project a reality. Thank You!

Visit the group's website if you'd like to know more.

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The small villages of Ardoch and Braco are situated 8km north of Dunblane, close to the remains of Roman occupation on the Gask Ridge, one of the most complete Roman sites in Britain. The ramparts and ditches of the Ardoch Roman fort are clearly visible just north of the village.

The Ardoch and Braco in Bloom voluntary group was formed in 2002 to improve the quality of the village environment. A small but active committee, they manage the floral displays sites around the village and undertake environmental enhancements in the local Parish. They are always keen to recruit enthusiastic volunteers. To get involved or to help support the committee please e-mail info@prideinperthshire.co.uk

The Cock and Hen wall project

In 2022 the bloom group approached the Association about undertaking a project to restore the 'Cock and Hen' wall at the entrance to Braco, which was was in a very poor condition, as can be seen in the photo on the left. We agreed that this was a very worthwhile project that would greatly enhance the local environment, so fundraising began. Work began in 2022 with felling of old trees and demolition of unstable parts of the old wall. Fortunately, the contractors have uncovered a large amount of stone during site clearance and this will be reused in the restoration. Work is progressing well and we hope the project will be complete later in 2023.

Why "Cock and Hen" (we know you're asking!!)
The name of this style of wall comes from the use of upright coping stones on top of a wall, which stand up like a rooster's crest. This design provides a robust and stable topping for walls.

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Bridge of Earn is a small town that lies on the River Earn just south of Perth. Site of an important historic river crossing point in the Parish of Dunbarney, it now lies just off the M90 motorway making it convenient for travel to many parts of Scotland.

The 'Brig in Bloom' voluntary group was formed in 1998 to improve the appearance and environment of the parish of Dunbarney and to encourage home owners, shopkeepers and other business people to keep their premises tidy and attractive. The volunteers work on a range of projects with different groups, and in co-operation with Perth and Kinross Council. One of the most popular features in the town is the 'Brig Bloomer', a donated boat filled with bedding plants located at the bridge on entering the village. New volunteers are always welcome to join the group, which continues to develop innovative projects that are enhancing the local environment.

There's up to date information about Brig in Bloom on its Facebook page (search for Brig in Bloom).

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The villages of St Madoes and Glencarse lie on opposite sides of the A90 about seven kilometres east of Perth. Between them, the villages have around 700 inhabitants.

Local volunteers from both villages come together in the Carse in Bloom group, which was set up in March 2010 to improve the local environment. They undertake litter picks and look after planters in the villages, including one they donated the local school, allowing the pupils to undertake horticultural projects of their own.

We have set up a website and a noticeboard so that they can publicise their activities and they raise funds through activities like car boot sales and quizzes.

To find out more about Carse in Bloom, please go to the website www.carseinbloom.org.uk

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The village of Comrie lies on the banks of the River Earn, in the heart of the scenic West Strathearn area of Perthshire. It is situated at the meeting of Glens Lednock and Artney, with the beautiful Scottish Highlands rising to the North.

The Comrie in Colour voluntary group and has won many awards in Take A Pride in P&K, Beautiful Scotland, and Britain in Bloom competitions. Volunteers work with local schools, young adults and the wider community to look after the village. Check out the group's Facebook page if you want to know more.

War Memorial Project

In 2022 we agreed to support Comrie in Colour in delivering a new new project aimed at enhancing the War Memorial gardens.

The aim is to take a lower maintenance approach to the site whist making it more beautiful, environmentally sustainable and accessible for community events such as Remembrance Day. A feature will also be created to celebrate the life of John Manson Craig VC, a native of the village who won the Victoria Cross in 1917. Support for the project has been received from the local community and fundraising got underway in 2023.

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The town of Coupar Angus sits amongst fertile farmland in Strathmore, near the River Isla at the centre of an area noted for soft fruit and potato growing.

The voluntary group Coupar Angus Pride of Place was formed in 2006 to improve the local environment through environmental projects and social inclusion. The Group's award-winning projects include enhancing biodiversity, planting trees, exhibiting floral displays, teaching of horticultural practice, growing fruit and vegetables with local school children and celebrating the local heritage of the town.

Launch of Coupar Burn project

On 23 November 2017, Pride of Place Chair Anne Easson and P&K Provost Dennis Melloy were joined by local volunteers, residents, businesses and project partners to celebrate the official opening of the Coupar Burn project. Pupils from the local Primary School, who helped with the biodiversity survey and with the project leaflet and information boards, helped the Provost as he 'cut the ribbon' to mark the successful completion of the work.

The project got underway in 2017, when Pride of Place volunteers began work at Coupar Burn, which runs through the town and which had become overgrown and blocked with litter. Working with the Take A Pride in Perth & Kinross Association, Perth & Kinross Council and local schools, the volunteers cleared overgrown areas, removed fly-tipped rubbish from the water, pruned mature trees and planted new native species. They also created a new path and seating area, undertook wildlife surveys and installed bird and bat boxes.

The group is very grateful to the funders of this ambitious project: the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Council's Community Environment Challenge Fund and the Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER Programme

Britain in Bloom 2017

Coupar Angus Pride of Place has won a Gold Medal at the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards 2017. The results were announced at a prestigious Awards ceremony on Friday 27 October, hosted by TV presenter and garden designer James Alexander-Sinclair. Against stiff competition in the Large Village Category, the Coupar Angus group came away with one of the much-coveted Gold Medals. Group chair Anne Easson is delighted with this award: "This is our third Gold medal; we also received one in 2013 and 2015. This is a well deserved reward for our dedicated team of volunteers for their hard work around the village all through the year". Read more about the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards here.

For more information about the Coupar Angus Pride of Place voluntary group, please contact info@prideinperthshire.co.uk

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Crieff is a bustling country town set in magnificent Perthshire scenery. Situated 18 miles west of Perth, it straddles the Highland Boundary Fault where the rolling Lowland landscape meets majestic Highland terrain. The town was the main cattle trading centre in Scotland between the 16th and 18th centuries. Drovers, and up to 30,000 black cattle, would converge on the huge livestock market.

The voluntary group Crieff in Leaf was set up in 1994 to clean up and brighten up the local environment. Volunteers have completed many environmental projects, including improvements to the War Memorial, Jubilee and Bridgend Gardens as well as in the floral displays in the town centre.

This small and happy group always welcomes more help. If you would like to get involved e-mail crieffleaf-cinl@yahoo.co.uk

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The neighbouring villages of Drum and Crook of Devon work together on their 'Bloom' campaign via the 'Drum & Crook Growing Together' group.

Drum is situated 1.5 km to the east of Crook, which is 6 km west of Kinross near the River Devon, which flows from the Ochil Hills.

If you'd like to get involved with the group, let us know. Our contact details are at the top of this page.

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The beautiful and historic communities of Dunkeld and Birnam are situated within the River Tay National Scenic Area and lie on opposite sides of the River Tay, 15 miles north of Perth. They are steeped in history, with Dunkeld Cathedral originally founded in the 9th century and remnants of the 'Birnam Wood' mentioned in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom was established in 1995 to care for the local environment. A small number of volunteers, with a great support network that includes the local school, promote awareness and action from planting and litter picks to enjoying home baking on fundraising ventures.

If you would like to get involved, contact Take A Pride in P&K using the contact details at the top of this page.

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Dunning is a small but thriving village which lies south of Perth in the valley of the River Earn, north of the Ochil Hills. The village centres around the 12th-13th century former parish church of St. Serf, where the 'Dupplin Cross' - an early stone cross with ancient Pictish symbols - can be seen.

The Take a Delight in Dunning voluntary group works together to produce a floral delight for residents and visitors every year.

To find out how you can get involved or if you want to know more e-mail info@prideinperthshire.co.uk

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Errol is one of the main settlements in the Carse of Gowrie. The village lies roughly half way between Perth and Dundee surrounded by flat and fertile fields, many of which produce outstanding soft fruits like raspberries and strawberries. The reeds harvested from the banks of the River Tay were once used for thatching roofs, and the reedbeds now provide a valuable natural habitat for a wide range of species.

The Take a Pride in Errol was formed in 1995 with the aim of improving the village. Some of the activities undertaken by the group include spring tree planting, planting half barrel floral displays and holding spring clean/ litter pick sessions.

For more information please get in touch with Take A Pride in P&K using the contact details at the top of this page.

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Forgandenny is a village that lies 1.5 km south of the River Earn, 6 km south west of Perth. Strathallan School, which was founded in 1912 lies between the village and the river.

A small group of volunteers from the Forgandenny in Bloom group keep the village looking lovely.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

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Gilmerton is a small Perthshire village situated at the junction of the A822 and A85 roads near Crieff. The village lies at the foot of the road that winds through one of the most spectacular routes in Perthshire, the ‘Sma Glen’. The Glen is beautiful all year, but is particularly so when the hills are covered in purple heather in the late summer & early autumn.

The voluntary group Gilmerton in Bloom joined the Take a Pride in P&K Association in 2019.

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The village of Glenfarg and the neighbouring hamlet of Duncrievie are about 6 miles north of Kinross. They are located on an ancient routeused in the past as a resting place by travellers between Edinburgh and the Highlands.

Glenfarg & Duncrievie in Bloom formed in October 2005 with the aim of improving the local environment for the benefit of all residents and visitors. The local primary school gave the group the motto “A Community Making a Difference”. The group has delivered a wide range of projects that have enhanced the area, from recycled containers filled with plants every summer to restoring the War Memorial, re-painting the telephone kiosk and working with the primary school on their wildlife garden.

To find out more visit the group's website or e-mail info@prideinperthshire.co.uk

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Glenlomond is a village lying to the north-east of Loch Leven, north of the A911 road at the foot of Bishop Hill in the Lomond Hills. It is approximately 6.5 km east of Kinross.

A small group of volunteers from Glenlomond in Bloom keep the village looking lovely.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

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A small group of volunteers from Keltybridge and Maryburgh in Bloom keep the two villages looking lovely.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

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The voluntary group Kinnesswood in Bloom was set up in 2005 to improve the village environment. The volunteers have raised funds and held community events. Floral displays have been placed throughout the village and a number of areas have been enhanced including gap sites, the War Memorial, the bus stop areas and village entry and exit points. The Michael Bruce Museum Garden has been transformed. Lots of weeding and strimming of road verges and other common areas has been done, bulbs and wild flowers have been planted in the verges.

Benarty View project

In June 2019, Kinnesswood in Bloom's latest project had its official opening. Benarty View was a rather overgrown corner, but its potential was spotted by local residents and the bloom group volunteers decided to transform the site so people could sit and enjoy the spectacular views across to Loch Leven and beyond. An amazing £33,000 was raised and the project got underway. Overgrown trees and shrubs were pruned or cleared, new planting put in, turf laid, curved stone walls constructed, an information board installed and paths created. Local cubs designed a beautiful artwork to mark the “Year of Young People” and it was crafted by a local blacksmith. The new seating was dedicated to the memory of much-loved local man Tom Buchan who - in the words of his friends - was ‘the heart of Kinnesswood and the Bishopshire”.

If you would like to join in or find out more about what the group does, please go to its website: www.kinnesswoodinbloom.org

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Kinross in Bloom was established in 2003 to improve the local environment and the quality of life of those living in the ancient burgh of Kinross. The town is situated in Perth & Kinross, roughly fifteen miles north of Edinburgh.

The town has been brightened up with flowers in planters, tubs and hanging baskets. Volunteers have planted crocuses and daffodils at various locations throughout the town, making a marvellous show every spring. They have completed a project for the Health Centre, where they planted out a border, tubs and hanging baskets. Another project involved planning and fundraising for the gateway feature located at the entrance to the town from junction 6 on the M90 motorway.

2019: Crosswell Fountain Project

Crosswell Fountain is a category C listed structure situated in the centre of Kinross. The fountain was built in 1885 directly over the Cross Well, which had been the source of the public water supply. In 2018 Kinross in Bloom commissioned a report on the fountain's condition, which showed that it is still structurally in good condition but does require some conservation work. As a result, a project is being set up with the Take a Pride in Perth & Kinross Association to raise funds so the restoration can go ahead. After a successful fundraising campaign, the project was completed in 2020, with much of the work being undertaken during the Covid-19 crisis, following the relevant social distancing rules. Rea more about the project in this case study.

For more information about Kinross in Bloom, or to support its work, please go to the website www.kinrossinbloom.org

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Kirkmichael is situated on the A924 between Blairgowrie and Pitlochry, nestled near the centre of Strathardle and surrounded by magnificent scenery.

Kirkmichael in Bloom was established to improve the appearance of the village. The core group of volunteers undertakes a range of activities such as planting floral displays in the centre and at the entrances to the village. They hold litter picking sessions and raise funds for the campaign.

A joint website has been created for all groups in the Glen. To find out more about Kirkmichael in Bloom or to get involved please contact us at www.theglens.org.uk/ or e-mail info@prideinperthshire.co.uk

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Luncarty village is 6.5 km north of Perth and lies between the A9 to the west and the River Tay to the east. The neighbouring village of Redgorton sits on the opposite side of the A9.

A small group of volunteers from Luncarty and Redgorton in Bloom keep the two villages looking lovely.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

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The Perthshire village of Meigle is near Coupar Angus. Its museum houses an important collection of more than thirty Pictish Stones, along with some later carvings dating from between the 8th and 10th centuries. The village was probably the site of an important early medieval monastery centred on the present church and churchyard.

A small group of volunteers from Pride in Meigle 2015 keep the community garden looking lovely. Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

Village Entrance project 2023

We are supporting Pride in Meigle volunteers on a new project to enhance the North-West entrance to the village (where the B954 meets the A94). The volunteers currently maintain the area by carrying out regular grass cutting as well as preserving a traffic free pathway route into the village. They now wish to replicate elements of the existing community garden (see photo on left), such as creating a drystone feature wall and large stone containing a “Welcome to Meigle” sign in tribute to the village's rich historical background and Pictish history. New trees will be planted and sustainable planting will improve biodiversity. Plans are being drawn up and fundraising will begin in 2023.

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Milnathort in Bloom was founded in 2000 in an effort to improve the appearance of our village and to raise community spirit.

The groups's volunteers work on hanging baskets, planters and flower beds in the village. Every year they grow plants from seeds and plugs to meet about 80% of their needs. They also keep the village litter free. Projects have included refurbishment work on the old school bell, which was taken down, shot blasted, painted and re-hung. The groups is well supported by local residents and businesses.

To find out more about Milnathort in Bloom or to get involved please e-mail info@prideinperthshire.co.uk

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Murthly village is located on the south bank of the River Tay, 7 kilometres south-east of Dunkeld and 15 kilometres north of Perth.

A small group of volunteers from Murthly in Bloom keep the village looking lovely.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

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Muthill in Bloom was formed in 1993 to improve the appearance of the village of Muthill and to help create a more attractive and environmentally friendly place to stay and visit.

With a small committee and a band of enthusiastic volunteers the group has progressed from a back garden display to the creation of eye catching floral displays throughout the village for the benefit of residents and tourists. Other community groups assisting Muthill in Bloom are the WRI, Brownies, the school as well as members of the community.

Annually, the group maintains floral displays and containers ensuring they are kept clean and tidy. Recycling is undertaken where possible. The local school and Brownies assist with the annual litter pick around the community. Muthill in Bloom has helped develop areas within the village including the church and the millennium garden and the local Rotary donated 30 heart of gold roses which were planted in Coronation Park. Fundraising events are held throughout the year ranging from whist drives, coffee mornings, community competitions etc and are all well supported Muthill in Bloom is a successful group and always welcomes new volunteers! If you would like to get involved or find out more about us please e-mail info@prideinperthshire.co.uk

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Beautiful Perth is a registered Scottish Charity dedicated to making the City of Perth a beautiful place to live, work and visit. Working in partnership with others, the group is supported by local businesses, voluntary and charity organisations, schools, Perth and Kinross Council and a great many volunteers.

Established in 1989 as 'Perth in Bloom', the group changed its name to Beautiful Perth in 2007 to reflect the wider range of activities its volunteers undertake, not just in horticulture but also in environmental improvement and community engagement. The volunteers work all year round on projects across the City.

You can find out more about the group and how you can get involved in its activities by visiting its website www.beautifulperth.org

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The Pitlochry in Bloom group, its helpers & Friends come from the local community and, during the past 20 years, the group has gathered momentum. With additional support and funding from local residents and businesses and much lobbying to encourage everyone to become involved in the campaign, Pitlochry is truly “Blooming”!

Pitlochry in Bloom organises the spring and summer floral displays, hangs nearly 200 hanging baskets and looks after the town’s feature beds complete with Victorian sculptures. The “Wildlife Garden” was opened in 1999, the first of its kind and is a fitting tribute to the late Meg Dunn, who inspired the volunteers.

Pitlochry in Bloom celebrates 25 years of “Blooming” in 2018 and is delighted to have collected over 60 awards for the town, including Gold Medals from the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign, two in the Champion of Champions category. They are also holders of international 5 Blooms in the “International Challenge” competing against the USA, Canada, Japan and Europe.

In 2013, the Highland Mainline Railway was 150 years old and the group delivered the "150 Years On Track" project to mark the occasion.

If you would like to find out more about Pitlochry in Bloom visit the website www.pitlochryinbloom.co.uk

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Powmill is a small village that lies at the junction of the A823 and A977 approximately 8 km south west of Kinross

A small group of volunteers from Powmill in Bloom work hard to keep the village tidy and attractive.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

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The pretty village of Kinloch Rannoch sits at the eastern end of Loch Rannoch in Highland Perthshire, on the banks of the River Tummel.

A small group of volunteers from Kinloch Rannoch in Bloom keep the village looking lovely.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

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The small village of Rait is 4 kilometres north-west of Errol in eastern Perthshire. The former parish church, now ruined, was built in the Middle Ages, and abandoned in the 17th century. The remains of a prehistoric promontory fort lie to the east of the village and the 16th-century Fingask Casle is located to the north, on the south-facing slopes of the Sidlaw Hills.

A small group of volunteers from the group Bonnie Rait keep the village looking lovely.

Contact us via the telephone number or email address at the top of this page if you'd like to know more.

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St Fillans is a lovely village in the central Highlands, at the eastern end of Loch Earn on the A85, 6 km west of Comrie. In the 18th century, it was a small settlement known as Port of Lochearn, or Meikleport. It was renamed St Fillans in 1817.

The local 'in bloom' group was established to improve the environment in and around the village. If you'd like to get involved, please contact the Association via the contact details at the top of this page.

Returning 'Still' to Loch Earn

February 2023

St Fillans in Bloom has reached a pivotal stage in their exciting plans to reinstate the iconic ‘Still’ sculpture to the waters of Loch Earn. Since planning permission was granted, we have been helping the group raise funds to purchase the sculpture and cover the costs of returning it to the loch. The fundraising target has been reached and we celebrated by visiting the artist’s studio near Drymen where minor repairs and strengthening works are being carried out. The statue will be re-installed in the loch once those works are complete.

Created by renowned Scottish sculptor and environmental artist Rob Mulholland, the sculpture has been absent from the loch since 2017. Rob said: “I’m delighted to be working with St Fillans in Bloom to return ‘Still’ to Loch Earn. The sculpture has had a real journey from when it was first installed in 2014; my original concept was to create a sculpture that symbolised the physical and spiritual relationship between humans and the natural world, and it’s humbling to see the connections people have made with it across the globe.”

Treasurer of St Fillans in Bloom Audrey Gavigan said: “We have been inundated with enquiries from locals and visitors alike who are eager to see ‘Still’ returned to the village. By working in partnership with the Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association and Perth and Kinross Council we have ensured the legacy of ‘Still’ will benefit our local area for years to come.”

We in the Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association are providing project management and fundraising support. Our Chair Karen McDonnell said: “I’m delighted the Association has supported St Fillans in Bloom reach this exciting project milestone. During its time in Loch Earn the sculpture gained international recognition – its return will provide a welcome boost to the local community and attract visitors to the area.”

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The medieval village of Scone grew up around a monastery and royal residence. It was abandoned in the early 19th century when the residents were removed and the new Scone Palace was built on the site by the Earl of Mansfield. The modern settlement now incorporates the village of Scone and parts of the medieval village of Old Scone. Old Scone was the historic capital of the Kingdom of Scotland used as the coronation site of the kingdom's monarchs, who sat on the 'Stone of Scone' (also known as the 'Stone of Destiny') to be crowned. A replica stone can be seen today in the grounds of Scone Palace.

The voluntary group Scone in Bloom works to improve the local environment. For more information contact us by phone or email - details at the top of this page.

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The village of Scotlandwell lies to the east of Loch Leven, approximately 4 miles east of Kinross. It is one of the great historic sites of Kinross-shire. Named Fons Scotiae by the Romans who passed this way nearly 2,000 years ago, the curative waters that bubble up through the sandy ground were used by Red Friars who maintained a hospital in the village between 1250 and 1587. Thousands of pilgrims came to Scotlandwell to take the water, the most famous perhaps being King Robert the Bruce who is alleged to have found a cure for leprosy here.

Scotlandwell in Bloom was originally formed in 1990 to enable Scotlandwell the village to participate in the local Kinross-shire Civic Trust competition, which it has won on several occasions. The group has also enjoyed many successes in Take a Pride in Perth & Kinross competitions.

The group aims to achieve continuous sustainable environmental improvement of our village for locals and visitors alike. The walled garden adjacent to the historic Well and Wash House changed ownership in late 2004 and the new owners offered Scotlandwell in Bloom the opportunity to get involved in improving the area. Volunteers helped to prepare the area for planting shrubs, using weed suppressing fabrics and bark, both donated by local residents. In 2009, a submission was made to the Take A Pride in Perth & Kinross Association for the conservation & re-use of the Wash House. This was successful and the project has restored the building, securing it for the future by the community.

Washhouse and Well Project 2023

More than a decade after the previous project, further maintenance to the historically significant Washhouse and Well is now required. We have begun a project in partnership with Scotlandwell in Bloom to refurbish the site by repainting the well cover and repairing railings, ironwork, cobbles and stonework. Sustainable planting will enhance the area and make it lower maintenance. Works will begin in early summer 2023.

To find out more about Scotlandwell in Bloom or to get involved please e-mail info@prideinperthshire.co.uk

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The village of Stanley lies on the north bank of the majestic River Tay north of Perth, on a section of the River Tay that is very popular for canoeing and fishing.

Stanley in Bloom is a small group of people helping to make their wee village look beautiful all year round with the planting of flowers and weeding.

The group has a Facebook page where you can learn more about what they do, or get in touch with them if you'd like to get involved.

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Viewlands Venture is a community based group operating in the Viewlands area of the City of Perth. Its main emphasis is on supporting schools and other public sector and private enterprises to improve the local environment activities such as landscaping, planting and litter picking.

Projects have included work at Oakbank Primary School, Perth High School, Viewlands Primary School, Perth Academy and Cherrybank School. We have also helped Beechgrove House. We retain close links with Perth Royal Infirmary and encourage the Health Board to join in our aims and objectives.

If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved please contact at info@prideinperthshire.co.uk

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Rannoch railway station lies on the West Highland Line, serving the Rannoch area. Its remote location on Rannoch Moor is picturesque and makes it attractive to walkers. Visit the website of the station's tea room and visitor centre to see some photos of its spectacular setting.

An 'in bloom' group has been established and its enthusiastic volunteers look after planters and flower beds, and keep the area tidy. For more information contact us via phone or email - details at the top of this page.

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