Two assessors from Beautiful Scotland in Bloom have been touring Troon, looking at the floral displays and various garden areas to see if the town has reached the standards required to gain a Neighbourhood Awareness Award.

Members of Troon Community Council made an application to the Beautiful Scotland in Bloom awards and asked that Troon be considered for an award this year.

The Neighbourhood Award, which is in its second year in Scotland, is a non-competitive competition to encourage people to be more involved in their neighbourhoods.

South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan, who has championed Civic Pride since taking up office and was instrumental in floral displays such as hanging baskets and tubs being reinstated by the Council, lent her support to the application.

Provost Winifred Sloan said:  “A few years ago who would have considered entering Troon for such an award.  Now, after a lot of hard work by the Council, Community Councillors, local businesses and residents Troon is once more ablaze with colour.  The floral displays make such a difference, they brighten up the streets and give a colourful welcome to local people and visitors.”

The assessors, along with representatives of Troon Community Council and local Councillors, spent an hour in Troon visiting floral displays and gardens.  This included a visit to the Gordon Brown Memorial garden, which was specially designed as a sensory garden.

The results of the Neighbourhood Awards will be announced at the end of August 2006 and in November later this year there will be an award ceremony held in Perth.

Provost Winifred Sloan, the assessors, Community Councillors, local Councillors and representatives from Troon Business Association gathered at Troon Town Hall before the assessors set off on their journey around Troon.

August 2006