Rouken Glen runs for Scotland’s top park

The East Renfrewshire park came third in the same competition — Keep Scotland Beautiful’s people’s choice award — last year.

The title is up for grabs to any park awarded green flag status, and Rouken Glen was one of 59 to be given the environmental benchmark — the East Ren park’s fourth — this year .

Now, East Renfrewshire Council hopes that residents will take the time to nominate what it calls the area’s “jewel in the crown”.

An ERC spokeswoman said: “Rouken Glen Park is loved by people across East Ren and really is one of Scotland’s best.

“An army of council staff and volunteers work incredibly hard to maintain and improve this beautiful green space.

“The people who use it every year benefit from its many attractions and many simply enjoy its spectacular natural environment.

“Now we’re calling on residents to get behind Rouken Glen and help make it officially Scotland’s favourite.”

The park has benefited from investment in recent years thanks to a £3.15 million Heritage Lottery and ERC grant, with a £270,000 play park opening this year following the refurbishment of the pavilion in 2013.

It’s also the site of Electric Glen, an annual lighting festival which attracts audiences from further afield into East Ren.

To cast your vote, visit www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/parks by the September 30 deadline — winners will be announced on October 16.