'Outstanding' Wester Ross labour of love can inspire others; Gairloch Sitooterie lands top rating; Keep Scotland Beautiful assessor thrilled by what she saw
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A LABOUR of love garden project in a Wester Ross village could offer a template for other communities looking to enact dramatic transformations for the greater good.
That's the view of an assessor who has given the Gairloch's coastal garden an 'outstanding' rating after seeing for herself the difference it has made to the local community and individuals within it.
The It's Your Neighbourhood scheme run by Keep Scotland Beautiful to encourage community action, awarded the Sitoorterie on Pier Road its top accolade with a 91 out of 100 score acknowledging its "outstanding" status five years after the project was first started.
It began with gorse bushes 10ft high which obscured the sea view and caused a hazard to pedestrians and wheelchair users being hacked back and transformed into a stunning natural garden.
Assessor Wendy Murray said: "It is clear that local people really value the area and take great pride in what has been achieved. The area has been developed into a vibrant and welcoming
observation space with something for everybody.
"During my visit, one woman commented that the area has, ‘transformed her life’ such is her appreciation and daily use of the area."
The project has been funded entirely by public donations and local goodwill with appeals for help and funding always being answered.
The wildlife observation garden offers a stunning vista and a pleasant space for locals and visitors alike.
Ms Murray said: "It provides a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to share skills, talents and resources.
"Promote what you do to encourage other communities to take similar action and improve their own areas."
Sitooterie co-ordinator David Carruthers said the award should be shared throughout the community "which has been so supportive in so many ways".
“So many locals have knuckled in to help with the garden both practically and financially.
“And a huge number of visitors, especially regular ones who enjoy watching the Sitooterie’s constant progress, have been equally supportive."
He paid tribute to local couple Paul and Fran Harvey for planning and detailed planting which "have made the Sitooterie the amazing garden it has been all year".
