Aberdeen is the only Scottish city to reach the finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition.
The Granite City was joined by four other Scottish representatives in the shape of Bute, Dufftown, Haddington and Perth.
The five groups were selected for their outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, community participation and gardening achievement, and will join 67 other finalists from across the UK.
They will lead RHS Britain in Bloom judges on a tour of local projects and initiatives in the hope of being awarded Gold in their individual categories at the annual award ceremony in October.
This year, the contest will also feature a new award of honour to commend those who battled in the face of adversity following the recent floods which spread across the UK.
SNP MSP Kevin Stewart congratulated Aberdeen on reaching the Britain in Bloom final.
He said: “Aberdeen City Council’s horticultural staff and the numerous volunteers who tend our parks and green spaces are to be congratulated for their efforts, which have helped Aberdeen reach the Britain in Bloom finals.
“I am pleased the Royal Horticultural Society also recognises communities that have overcome flooding, including award-winning Seaton Park, which recently faced the worst flooding in its history.
“I am certain that all Aberdonians will be hoping our city will be crowned as overall winners.”
Aberdeen city council communities, housing and infrastructure vice-convener, Councillor Jean Morrison, was equally delighted with the news.
She said: “This is a fantastic accolade for all the hard work carried out not only by our dedicated staff, but also for the volunteers, community groups and In Bloom groups which make our city a beautiful place to live, work and visit.
“These groups and individuals have all helped tremendously in the clean-up since Storm Frank, but there is still a lot of work to do, and it’s good the RHS has recognised this with its new category.
“We look forward to showing the judges around Aberdeen in the summer when the city will be at its blooming best.”
Carole Noble, director of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We are delighted that five of Scotland’s best communities will represent the country in the RHS Britain in Bloom finals.
“We would like to wish the five finalists every success for 2016.”