A number of Glasgow parks have received top awards for quality outdoor space.

They are among a record 70 parks across the country to be presented with a Green Flag award by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

The Glasgow parks to be recognised are Bellahouston, the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow Green, Hogganfield, Linn park and nature reserve and Pollok country park.

All six also received Green Flag awards last year along with Kelvingrove and Queens parks which were not included this year.

Castlebank park in South Lanarkshire was presented with the award for the first time and New Dumbarton cemetery in West Dunbartonshire became the first cemetery to be recognised.

Elaine McDougall, the city council’s spokeswoman for transport, environment and sustainability, said: “We are pleased six of Glasgow’s best loved parks have been rewarded with the Green Flags.

“It takes a lot of hard work to keep our 90 plus parks looking their best and to receive Green Flag award status is testament to the work our staff do in all weathers, 12 months of the year.”

All the parks are assessed by volunteer judges with a background in park management, conservation or ecology.

Applicants are judged against criteria which includes assessing whether the park or green space is welcoming, safe, well maintained and secure.

Lindsay Montgomery, chairman of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Good quality green space is vital to the health and wellbeing of local communities, families and individuals and that is why it is fantastic to see Scotland’s parks and green spaces going from strength to strength.

“More Scottish parks are flying the Green Flag than ever before. This record breaking number is testament to the hard work and determination of park managers, local authorities and volunteers.

“It is great to see such a concerted effort across Scotland to improve our open spaces. We are proud of all our award winners, who work year round to make Scotland’s parks and public spaces beautiful.”

The Green Flag Award was launched in 1996 to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country but it was not until 2007 the first flags were awarded to Scotland.

Since then, the number of parks and green spaces in the country which have been recognised and awarded for their excellent management has risen steadily.

Keep Scotland Beautiful offers Green Flag awards for green spaces managed by local authorities and community award for spaces managed by voluntary and community groups.