Aberdeenshire Council’s Greenspace team has been recognised with the “Wee Apple Award” for the second year in a row during Holyrood’s Apple Day event.
Awards are presented for contributions to orchard promotion and conservation, best fruit displays, interesting varieties, or community and educational orchard projects.
Aberdeenshire Council’s recognition underlines the work of communities, schools, volunteers, and staff in establishing and promoting orchards locally.
An example from last year was where the council’s Greenspace team provided mini-orchard packs to 60 community groups across the Shire, funded by the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund.
The project, in support of the local authority's Pollinator Action Plan and local food growing efforts, also aimed to increase free-to-pick fruits in public spaces, improve visual amenity with blossoms and berries, build planting and maintenance skills for people of all ages, and support insects and wildlife.
76 community orchards are currently mapped across the Shire.
Councillor Alan Turner, Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee Chair, said: "Orchards are an important part of Aberdeenshire’s landscape, contributing to biodiversity, heritage, education, and community wellbeing. This recognition at Holyrood, with the Wee Apple Award, not only highlights this work locally but also gives it visibility at a national level. Thank you to everyone who helps to nurture these spaces—volunteers, schools, community groups, and our staff. You’re helping to shape a resilient future for our rural communities.”
The event took place on Thursday 11 September and highlighted biodiversity, healthy eating, and heritage, and included exhibitions of traditional and modern apple cultivars, tastings, and cider and juice displays.
Holyrood Apple Day is held annually in the Scottish Parliament to celebrate the cultural, ecological, and community value of orchards.