Two East Renfrewshire groups have been recognised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) for their commitment to improving their communities and people’s health and wellbeing.

One of the groups was The Black Door Shop, which is operated by the 86th Glasgow Boys’ Brigade and specialises in the supply of pre loved children’s toys, games, clothes, books, prams, and nursery equipment.

The Giffnock-based charity received a Level 5 Outstanding Certificate and a Certificate of Recognition in the NatureScot It’s Your Neighbourhood Pollinator Friendly Award for its work with the Orchardhill Thursday Gardeners.

The second group recognised was Netherlee and Stamperland Community Council who achieved a Certificate of Recognition for participating in It’s Your Neighbourhood.

Juliette Camburn, senior community initiatives officer with KSB, told the Barrhead News: “Our annual celebration of the inspiring efforts of people across Scotland who work tirelessly to improve their own neighbourhoods and communities is always such a happy event.

“Each and every It’s Your Neighbourhood entrant recognised today has made a lasting contribution, however small or large to combat climate change, restore nature and biodiversity, tackle litter and improve the places they care for.

“I’d like to congratulate and thank all entrants, alongside the 27 volunteers we work with, for all they do to make their community a cleaner, greener and more sustainable place.”

The two groups were among 208 from 27 local authorities recognised at The 2023 Beautiful Scotland and It’s Your Neighbourhood annual seminar and celebration event, which took place virtually on Tuesday, December 5.

It’s Your Neighbourhood is KSB's community environmental improvement initiative which is managed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Jim Jeffrey, Pollinator Strategy Manager with NatureScot commented, “Community groups and gardeners are in the front line helping our hard-pressed pollinators.

"The high standard of entries in this year’s It’s Your Neighbourhood Pollinator Friendly Award is evidence of a range of impressive projects helping our vital pollinating insects.

"Viewed individually they are fantastic, and viewed as a whole they contribute to the creation of expanding green corridors in our communities.

"It is increasingly clear that making space for nature in our gardens, allotments, greenspaces and communities is good news for people and pollinators.”