Aberdeen has been awarded seven prestigious Green Flag Awards in recognition of its quality open spaces by environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful.

The international scheme recognises outdoor recreational areas that enable exercise, encourage biodiversity, improve mental wellbeing and provide a safe space for play.

Flags this year went to Hazlehead Park, Seaton Park, Victoria Park, and Johnston Gardens. Duthie Park was also a recipient, marking its 10th Green Flag anniversary.

And the city's Slopefield Allotments and Garthdee Field Allotments became the first allotments in Scotland to be given the accolade.

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Councillor Miranda Radley, Convener of Aberdeen City Council's Operational Delivery Committee, said: "As a city we are delighted to be receiving seven Green Flag Awards from Keep Scotland Beautiful – recognising, as they do, the effort of council staff in maintaining our parks, and the creative partnership we enjoy with the community in developing our open spaces.

"From floral displays to secluded woodlands to allotments that support our food-growing programme, Aberdeen is blessed with some truly wonderful places.

"In recent years residents have come to cherish these more than ever, and The Green Flag Awards owe much to the care and respect shown by users. We can all be proud today."

Jamie Ormiston, Beaches and Parks Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: "Receiving this prestigious international benchmark recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

"As the only accreditation for park management of its kind in Scotland, we have supported local authority teams, land managers and communities across Scotland to drive up environmental standards at many of our parks and open spaces for residents and visitors alike."