Floral crests commemorating the work of three veterans’ charities have been planted in Aberdeen as part of a national horticultural competition.
The displays will be on show in Union Terrace Gardens as the Granite City attempts to win the prestigious Britain as part of the Granite City’s bid to win the prestigious Britain in Bloom contest.
Judges will visit the city, which is representing Scotland in the city category, on August 1 to assess the standard of flowers, environmental responsibility and how actively the community has participated.
Councillor Jean Morrison, chairwoman of the Britain in Bloom subcommittee, said she was confident the judges would be impressed by the team’s efforts.
She said: “Things are coming on really well. Over the last nine to 12 months we have put a lot of work into it and it’s really looking good.
“If the sun keeps shining and the rain comes at night, it will be looking fabulous by the time the judges arrive.”
As well as the colourful blooms, the Aberdeen team have planted five floral crests to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the competition and the outbreak of World War I.
The three in Union Terrace Gardens, which complement the existing Bon Accord crest, bear the logos of charities Erskine, the Gordon Highlanders and PoppyScotland, while the two planted in Rubislaw Terrace Gardens celebrate Britain in Bloom and Aberdeen’s involvement as an original entrant in 1964.
Aberdeen City Council housing and environment convener, Neil Cooney said: “We have a long and illustrious history with the competition, having won trophies on numerous occasions, first winning the Best Overall Trophy in 1965. It would be a fantastic achievement to repeat that triumph nearly 50 years later.
“We are delighted to be able to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great War, and the contribution of Erskine, the Gordon Highlanders and Poppyscotland, with these floral tributes.
“Once they are in full bloom I hope people will come to the gardens and reflect on the conflicts of the past and present.”