AN East Renfrewshire park has been honoured with a Green Flag Award to recognise its importance as a recreational outdoor space.

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, which administers the award, said Rouken Glen Park, in Giffnock, offers residents a key opportunity to exercise and improve their mental wellbeing.

It is one of 71 parks across Scotland presented with a Green Flag Award this year.
Derek Robertson, chief executive of the charity, said: “I would like to congratulate Rouken Glen Park.

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“Receiving this prestigious international benchmark recognises all of the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing this precious greenspace.”

Mr Robertson said that every single one of the 71 parks honoured provides an invaluable service to the local community it serves by creating a safe space to play, think and exercise, thereby helping to address many of the health and wellbeing challenges faced by residents.

He added: “Spending time in nature can be good for people’s health and living in a greener neighbourhood can improve health outcomes.

“The Green Flag Award recognises the valuable contribution these parks make towards the nation’s wellbeing.”

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Julie Procter, chief executive of greenspace scotland, said: “We know that greenspace is good for people and communities. It makes our lives and places better.

“Our goal at greenspace scotland is that everyone enjoys easy access to quality greenspace which meets their needs and improves their quality of life.

“This is why we’re delighted to see so many Scottish parks being presented with a Green Flag award in 2019 and would like to offer a big well done to everyone who works hard on achieving the award for Scotland’s parks.”