A green-fingered Speyside community group is celebrating after their floral creations were crowned some of the best in Scotland.
Dufftown in Bloom members travelled to Perth yesterday for the Beautiful Scotland Awards, and were “ecstatic” when they left with a gold medal award and the distinction of overall winner in the large village category.
Journeying homewards last night, the group’s secretary Anne Fraser could not hide her glee at the Moray town being named as one of the nation’s most scenic spots.
Ms Fraser said: “It was such a thrill knowing that the work we have done is being recognised at such a level.
“Six of us went to Perth for the awards and it was a fantastic occasion.
“When our chairman, Alistair MacDonald, got on the stage to accept the award he was absolutely ecstatic.”
Dufftown in Bloom also earned special praise for its efforts in attracting tourists to the area.
The event, at Perth Concert Hall, was organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful and entrants were judged by officials from the organisation earlier this summer.
At the beginning of August two renowned horticulturists visited Dufftown to inspect its displays.
Chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, Derek Robertson, said: “Dufftown in Bloom has excelled this year, taking home a gold medal award and the large village category trophy.
“I would like to congratulate the group and all its supporters for their efforts to make Scotland a cleaner, greener place for us all to enjoy.”