Main Campaign
Beautiful Scotland has over 40 years' experience of supporting groups within communities all across Scotland to improve and enhance their local environment.
Communities that join the campaign are allocated to a particular category of entry, based on population size and/or the type of area. The categories are:
| Class & Category | Electoral Roll Population |
|---|---|
| 1 - Wee Village | Up to 300 |
| 2 - Small Village | 301 to 1000 |
| 3 - Large Village | 1001 to 2500 |
| 4 - Coastal Resort | Up to 35000 |
| 5 - Urban Community | 1001 to 12000 |
| 6 - Small Town | 2501 to 6000 |
| 7 - Medium Town | 6001 to 12000 |
| 8 - Large Town | 12001 to 35000 |
| 9 - Small City | 35001 to 100000 |
| 10 - City | 100001 and over |
| 11 - Flatted Community | Up to 2500 |
The communities are visited by trained volunteer judges who assess the work that has been done and award points accordingly.
It is important to note that the campaign is not just for the green-fingered, as the judging focuses on 3 main themes, namely Horticultural Achievement, Environmental Responsibility and Community Participation. The cleanliness of the area, the level of graffiti and the sustainability issues, such as recycling, are all taken into account and contribute to the entrant achieving either a Bronze, Silver, Silver Gilt or Gold medal.
The best entry in each category receives a trophy and entrants also compete for special awards in areas such as Biodiversity, Sustainability and Community Involvement.
Through their involvement in the main campaign, many groups have gone on to win awards, not only within Scotland and nationwide in the Britain in Bloom campaign but also internationally in, for example, the Entente Florale or other prestigious competitions.
Whether or not they reach this level of achievement, groups report that their involvement with Beautiful Scotland has lead to an increase in civic pride in their community, as well as making the area a more attractive place to live, work and visit.