A total of 59 Scottish parks have been awarded a Green Flag this year, it has been reported.

A record number of parks are said to now hold the environmental honour, which is administered by the Keep Scotland Beautiful charity.

Parks in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow retained their Green Flags from last year, while Dock Park, Dumfries; Burngreen Park in North Lanarkshire, and Beechwood Park in Stirling were new additions.

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In total, Edinburgh received 26 flags, while Glasgow was awarded eight; and Dundee, Fife and Midlothian received four flags each.

Entrants are assessed on a number of criteria, including whether the park is welcoming, clean, safe and well-maintained. The space also needs to be sustainable, have community involvement and manage conservation and heritage.

Commenting on the accolades, Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: "We're very proud of all of our award winners and particularly of the army of local volunteers who work all year round in rain or shine to make Scottish parks beautiful."

Paul Wheelhouse, Environment Minister, added: "The availability of high-quality green space and parks is very important for the health and well-being of the people of Scotland. Long may these commendable efforts continue."

(JP/CD)