SIX green spaces across South Ayrshire have landed the esteemed International Green Flag Award.

A total of six green spaces were recognised by the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful for their clean, safe, and well-maintained parks and green spaces.

Belleisle Park in Ayr took home a Green Flag Award with Green Heritage, while the Fullarton Estate in Troon and Newton Park in Ayr also added the Green Flag Award to their collection.

Ayr Cemetery was also named a winner, as were Knockcushan Gardens and Orchard Gardens, both in Girvan.

The prestigious award, managed by Keep Scotland Beautiful, supports the opportunities that green spaces provide to enable exercise, improve mental well-being, and provide safe spaces for play.

The 2024 award winners include parks managed by local authorities, community groups, universities, and other organisations.

Jamie Ormiston, training and accreditation coordinator at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: "Congratulations to all of our winners in South Ayrshire.

"Receiving this prestigious award recognises all the hard work that has gone into maintaining and managing these precious green open spaces.

"What is most pleasing is the number of consecutive winners we have once again, showcasing the parks’ longevity and desire to continually be a welcoming and environmentally friendly place for all.

“Scotland is facing a biodiversity crisis, but these green spaces provide a space for everyone to reconnect with nature and I encourage everyone to do just that this summer.

“Green spaces are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing and it’s fantastic to see such a wide range of parks and green spaces across the entire length of the country.”

The 2024 Green Flag Awards have been issued to 80 green areas across Scotland.