Rouken Glen in top three Scottish parks

The East Renfrewshire greenspace was one of 51 to be awarded a green flag this year, and one of almost 1,500 put to an online vote by charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, in a bid to establish the number one outdoor spot.

Rouken Glen narrowly missed out to Strathaven Park in South Lanarkshire and Roslin Glen, in Midlothian — but East Ren environment convener Vincent Waters is delighted with third place.

Councillor Waters said: “Rouken Glen Park has a well-established history as a popular, outdoors, recreational visitor hot spot dating back to the Victoriand and Edwardian eras.

“A combination of the park’s natural beauty, stunning waterfall, glorious glen walk and the geological and archaeological significance, plus a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) all lends itself to the park’s popularity.

“On behalf of all our hard-working parks department, we are very proud of this achievement.”

Carole Noble, head of environmental services at Keep Scotland Beautiful, added: “This is a massive achievement and congratulations must go to the managers, staff and visitors of all the top three people’s choice parks.”

The accolade follows a £2 million investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund — as well as £1m from East Ren council — to give Rouken Glen a makeover.

Initial projects included revamping the pavilion, and there are ongoing plans to clean up the boating pond, restore pathways and bridges and improve access around the park.

As reported in The Extra last month, a new community garden — established and maintained by Friends of Rouken Glen Park — is taking shape.

The £50,000 FORG project is funded by the lottery boost, and aims to bring in the community — particularly those with special needs — by transforming a former training garden into a sensory area, with wheelchair-friendly paths, a pebble garden and fountain.