Eight groups from Renfrewshire have been recognised at a celebration event for their work to improve their communities.

Their efforts were marked by Keep Scotland Beautiful at the 2023 Beautiful Scotland and It’s Your Neighbourhood event, which took place virtually on Tuesday, December 5.

The eight included Bargarran Primary School, Evergreen Elderslie, Darkwood Crew – Helping Ferguslie Flourish, Erskine Community Garden, Friends of Barshaw Park, Grow in Glenburn, Kilbarchan Smile, and Lochwinnoch Sustainable Community Garden.

The Renfrewshire groups were among 208 groups from 27 local authority areas across Scotland recognised.

Juliette Camburn, senior community initiatives officer with KSB, told the Gazette: “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 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.”

Of the eight Renfrewshire groups, six received a Certificate of Distinction for displaying continuous improvements over a four-year period as part of the It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative.

Erskine Community Garden was also recognised with a Certificate of Recognition in the NatureScot It’s Your Neighbourhood Pollinator Friendly Award while Lochwinnoch Sustainable Community Garden also received a Certificate of Recognition in the Health and Wellbeing Award.

“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,” added Juliette.