Representatives uniting to make their communities greener places to live

Representatives from towns, villages and schools across the Borders came together this week to celebrate success in making their communities greener places to live.

The 2024 Greener Gateway Community Awards were held at the Inspire Learning building in Tweedbank on Tuesday.

This year marked the introduction of a new Schools Award to showcase the projects carried out by students to promote and address issues such as sustainability, biodiversity and food growing.

Out of the 13 schools that entered, Lilliesleaf Primary School and Jedburgh Grammar Campus were selected as ‘Best Projects’, both receiving a £250 voucher to spend on relevant equipment or materials to help with the continuation of their project.

In the settlement categories, Kelso were crowned the winner of the Town Award, Earlston claimed the Large Village Award, Greenlaw ran out winners in the Small Village category and Birgham were winners of the Wee Village Award.

In the other award categories, Leitholm, Eccles & Birgham Community Council were winners of this year’s Borders Biodiversity Award, Burnfoot Community Futures claimed the Cultivating Communities Award and Coldstream Larder’s project gained the Sustainability Award.

The awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the civic pride, volunteering efforts and skills that help keep the towns and villages of the region looking so cared for.

Since the rebranding of the awards in 2022 from the Floral Gateway Awards, an increased focus has been placed on highlighting the efforts of individuals and groups to tackle the effects of climate change.

Councillor John Greenwell, SBC portfolio holder for Roads and Public Space Development, said: “Many congratulations to all the towns, villages, groups and volunteers who have been recognised this year through the Greener Gateway Community Awards.

“There can be no doubting that the settlements right across the Scottish Borders are far better places for the existence of these projects and I would like to thank all those involved for their dedication to volunteering and civic pride.

“Along with our beautifully maintained towns and villages, we have also been extremely encouraged by the breadth of projects being undertaken in the Borders with a climate change or sustainability focus.

“I would also like to highlight all the tremendous work submitted by schools from across the region, as part of our new education award targeted at primary and secondary schools. It’s extremely encouraging to see all the efforts being made by future generations to champion climate-positive work.”

Full list of winners:

Town (population over 2,500)