This is an annual competition for community groups in the Scottish Borders.
2020 competition cancelled
Due to the Coronavirus social distancing guidance in place, a decision has been made to cancel this year's Floral Gateway competition.
We are looking into whether we can host an event later in the year to celebrate the work of community groups, which do fantastic work to help maintain our area all year round.
Classes
There are five classes which communities can enter:
- Wee Village with a maximum population of 300
- Small Village with a population between 301 and 1k
- Large Village with a population between 1,001 and 2.5k
- Town with a population over 2.5k
- Champion of Champions each class winner from the previous year judged against each other
Community Awards
You can enter the Community Awards even if you are not entering the Floral Gateway competition.
The Welcome Award
For first time entrants (or those returning after a lengthy absence) to the Floral Gateway competition
The Quality of Life Award
One or more award in each of our five areas (Berwickshire, Cheviot, Eildon, Teviot and Liddesdale and Tweeddale). This award will recognise the significant impact that a project, initiative or ongoing community involvement in each area has made to support, promote and enhance the quality of life in that area
The Clean and Tidy Award
This award will be determined by the points given for ‘Cleanliness’ as part of the judging of the Floral Gateway competition
The Border Biodiversity Award
Where a project, initiative or community wishes to be considered for their efforts in increasing the biodiversity of the region. This could be through local food production, recycling or through enhancing the region as a result of changed environmental management or maintenance
Why should my community enter?
Communities find that local people take pride in their environment. This has made them:
- more aware of their surroundings
- less likely to litter/graffiti
- want to improve the look of their area
Taking part in the Floral Gateway competition has given many communities the confidence required to go forward to take part in the Beautiful Scotland competition.
Judging
Judging takes place in late July/early August and the competition is judged across three areas:
- Floral presentation
- Cleanliness
- Community involvement
Points are awarded against each area and the community with the highest score wins.
The judging is based on the visual appearance of:
- public park and open spaces
- public and private gardens
- allotments
- churches
- war memorials
- schools
- industrial areas
- business premises
Entrants are also able to demonstrate the strength of community involvement by use of on site meetings with the judges or by presenting portfolios to judges showing year round events and initiatives in their communities.
Want to do more?
If your community is already proactive and wants to play its part, or your community would like to start a group making a difference on an environmental issue such as biodiversity, In Bloom, litter or dog fouling, we would like to hear from you .