Argyll and Bute Council’s work to transform a gap site in Rothesay into a beautiful butterfly garden saw it reach the finals in a national awards scheme.

The authority was presented with a finalist certificate at Keep Scotland Beautiful’s (KSB) annual Scottish People and Places awards ceremony in Glasgow City Chambers.

Argyll and Bute’s success came in the Best Local Environmental Quality Innovation Award category.

The aim was to recognise local authorities which have developed new ideas and initiatives to tackle a local environmental quality issue such as littering, graffiti or dog fouling, to improve and enhance an area as part of KSB’s People and Places Programme. 

Last summer a litter-strewn patch of land in Rothesay was transformed into a butterfly garden by Argyll and Bute Council, in partnership with college and school pupils, as part of a localised initiative to enhance the visual aspect of the area and to reduce dog fouling.

Identified as a local environmental quality problem, the area of land was cleared of waste and sown with wildflower seeds, while college students built fences and painted them, and school children informally adopted the site.

Argyll and Bute environment warden Ailsa Cunningham said: “I am delighted that our wildflower garden project in Rothesay’s Watergate has been selected as a finalist.  This project demonstrates partnership working between Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll College, St. Andrew’s Primary School, SNH & John Brown (Strone) Ltd. 

“It has totally transformed a problem area at no cost, as all materials used were diverted from landfill and has given new life to an old gap site to the benefit of all.” 

Councillor Bruce Marshall, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for environment, said: “This is the latest national recognition for an Argyll and Bute project aimed at improving an unsightly area of ground for the benefit of local residents and visitors alike.

“We are fortunate enough to live in one of Scotland’s most scenic areas. However, there are always parts of it which can be made more attractive, and we are committed to seeking them out and acting, where possible, to address outstanding issues.

“It is very rewarding that the efforts of the council and its partners are being celebrated in this way, and we look forward to continuing to improve the local environment in the future.”

Donna Hegarty, Programme Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “The judges were impressed with the commitment shown by the officers of Argyll and Bute Council who drove this project forward for the benefit of the local people, businesses and visitors to Rothesay. 

“As a result of the work done, the appearance of the area has been greatly improved. Twenty different types of butterfly were recorded on the site, and waste is no longer being tipped in the area”.