Barnhill Rock Garden in Dundee, Harrison Park and Braid Burn Valley Park both in Edinburgh will receive the Green Flags at the National Green Flag Awards Ceremony on July 26.

Greenspace Scotland and the Civic Trust, who are responsible for the scheme in England, joined together this year to pilot the award in Scotland. The pilot was initiated by park and greenspace managers who were keen to develop a scheme that would lead to improvement in greenspaces and additionally set high standards for all local parks and services.

Julie Procter, Chief Officer, Greenspace Scotland said: "We were delighted to invite the Civic Trust to Scotland to work with us to pilot the Green Flag Award Scheme. Green Flag Awards are about moving the focus on greenspace to where it really matters - improving the quality of our parks and greenspaces and making sure they meet the needs of the local community.

Commenting on the flags, Robert Aldridge, City of Edinburgh Council Environment leader, said: "Our unique city has many fantastic green spaces where people can take refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. These Green Flag Awards recognise Edinburgh's commitment to providing environmentally sustainable, high quality parks as well as the hard work and dedication of those who keep these spaces beautiful."

Karen Young, chair, Friends of Braid Burn Valley Park added: “The Friends of Braid Burn Valley Park are delighted that our park has received this prestigious award. It is because of the hard work of local schools and people, along with Edinburgh Council, that we are the first in Scotland to achieved the Green Flag’’