Eighth Green Flag for East Ren's 'jewel in the crown'

The accolade recognises the provision of clean, safe outdoor space – making sure that everyone has access to quality green and open spaces the length and breadth of the country.

The Green Flag Award, administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful, is the benchmark for green spaces and recognises the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers who help ensure that outdoor areas provide local everyone of all ages with a safe, clean and inspiring local environment.

Gifted to the people of Glasgow to use as a place of leisure and enjoyment in 1906, the popular tourist attraction features a mix of formal and informal spaces.

Councillor Alan Lafferty, Convener for Environment at East Renfrewshire Council, said: “This is the eighth year in a row that Rouken Glen has been awarded the Green Flag, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of our parks staff who go above and beyond to ensure this much-loved greenspace continues to improve each year.

Rouken Glen is loved by residents across East Renfrewshire, as well as visitors from further afield, so it’s fantastic to once again be recognised with this national honour.

“The award acknowledges that well-maintained parks help support healthy and stable communities and provide a range of health benefits - enabling exercise, improving mental wellbeing and encouraging children to play.

“We always strive to improve the facilities on offer and with the recent addition of two tennis courts to Rouken Glen I’m sure that even more people will continue to flood to East Renfrewshire’s jewel in the crown.”

Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, added: “Scotland’s parks provide a valuable resource to communities across the country and access to quality green space is vital in helping to tackle some of the health and wellbeing challenges we face.

“I would like to congratulate all 71 parks from across Scotland for achieving this prestigious benchmark.

“The Green Flag Award scheme sets the standard for the management of our outdoor spaces and recognises the hard work of everyone involved. These are exceptional open spaces and the nation benefits hugely from them.”