BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN

CITIZENS GARDEN

The overgrown and abandoned garden next to the Norfolk Court high rise flats was an eyesore until residents transformed it into a beautiful haven with flowers, seating and raised beds.

Run by Gorbals Healthy Living Network, it provides horticultural skills and learning opportunities for residents, and five of the unemployed volunteers have found permanent jobs as a result of the programme.

Most importantly, anti-social behaviour, littering and vandalism in the garden area have stopped and local people have a beautiful space to be proud of.

Director Helen Trainor said: "We have spent a year turning the derelict ground into a garden that people want to use.

"We have such a diverse population in the Gorbals, it can be difficult to bring everyone together, but everyone uses the Citizens Garden.

"They feel like it's theirs, and that's fantastic. We have big plans for the year ahead including the introduction of beehives, so winning this award will be a real boost for us."

RUNNERS UP

CATHCART OLD GARDEN TEAM

The volunteers who maintain the grounds around Cathcart Old Parish Church have created more than just a beautiful place in which to stroll or relax.

Reverend Neil Galbraith said: "Our grounds look great, thanks to the efforts of a whole bunch of local people and they have also given our community a real focal point, somewhere neighbours can meet up to chat and relax together."

Volunteer Jean Routledge added: "We were delighted to be nominated, it was a nice surprise."

BATTLEFIELD COMMUNITY PROJECT

The community project at the corner of Ledard Road and Arundel Drive is used for a whole host of activities, from gardening sessions with local children and disabled adults to an annual street party attended by more than 400 local people.

Thanks to the efforts of the volunteers who transformed it from an overgrown mess, is now a valuable and much-loved community resource.

David Bradford, who has been part of Battlefield Community Project since its early beginnings, said: "It is inspiring to hear what other groups have achieved, particularly those working in some of the city's most disadvantaged areas."

BEST SCHOOL

CASTLEMILK HIGH

Pupils from Castlemilk High have worked hard to clear rubbish and weeds from the gardens at Castlemilk Stables, and have planted fruit and vegetables they donate to the local community.

Pupils Courtney Richardson, 14, and Dylan Morgan, 14, said they loved being part of the project.

Courtney said: "We worked hard and it looked great at the end."

Dylan added: "It's dynamite to win."

Head teacher Diane King said: "We're really proud of this fantastic third year group - they have done so well."

RUNNERS UP

HOLYCROSS PRIMARY

Many children who attend Holy Cross Primary in Govanhill don't have access to gardens at home, so the school's decision to create a whole raft of outdoor initiatives in its grounds has been life-changing.

Children now have a sensory garden, butterfly and bee garden, lots of new play equipment and the chance to grow their own food in a kitchen garden.

Holy Cross pupil Innes Gallagher, 11, from Govanhill, said: "It is nice to get recognition for all of the hard work we put in."

ST VINCENT'S PRIMARY

Children at St Vincent's Primary in have helped to turn a derelict piece of land into a vibrant area for play, relaxation and gardening.

They have named it their Field of Dreams, and it is now used by a local nursery, autism unit, elderly people's home and residents.

Brian Tracey, principal teacher, said "It was great to be nominated. Streets Ahead is a brilliant way for schools and other organisations to celebrate their achievements."