The People's Project in Dumfries lands nomination in competition it didn't enter
27.07.2023 - 07:11
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The People’s Project in Dumfries is in the running for a prize in a competition it never entered.
The volunteers group has been shortlisted in a non-judged category by Keep Scotland Beautiful while Upper Nithsdale’s Brighten Up Kirkconnel is in the small villages section.
The People’s Project is included for its sunken garden at Castledykes Park after a secret visit by judges who were so impressed they recommended it be included in this year’s list of top entries.
Winners will be announced at a bumper night and presentation in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden on September 8.
Mark Jardine, founder and chairman of People’s Project, admitted he was both surprised and delighted to learn the group was selected in the latter stages of the contest.
He said: “We decided not to put the Castledykes Park sunken gardens in because there is a lot of paperwork involved if you go into the judged event but now we are in the non-judged category.
“Judges come and do what is called a pre-judging visit. They must have been very impressed which is great but I cannot say much more really.
“It is a bit like talking about that Queen of the South match the other week when they played so well against Motherwell in the Viaplay Cup and drew 3-3 on the night then were unlucky to lose on penalties.”
He added: “The People’s Project was started 15 years ago and we have done a lot in that time.
“I wanted to give something back to the town and I just felt we needed to do something for Dumfries and the region.
“We have so many hard working volunteers who help brighten up the place. A lot of people knock their town but we needed to do something and now we are seeing the rewards and celebrating it.”
Juliette Camburn, senior community initiatives