KIRKCONNEL and Kelloholm have been awarded a Silver Medal certificate in this year’s Beautiful Scotland contest.

And the honour, for the second year running, has delighted the Brighten up Kirkconnel & Kelloholm group.

Competition judges Terry Stott and Alan Gray from Aberdeen visited the Village in early August and the results were announced at the awards ceremony at Dundee last month.

Group Chairperson Gary Hughes said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded another Silver medal and have received a very positive judges report.

“We have managed to increase our overall score by a significant amount this year scoring 143 points out of 200 - we were actually just 7 points short of entering the Silver Gilt range which is a very positive sign.” As always the report highlights the Achievements and points that need improved.

One of the biggest achievements this year has been the Enhancement of the War Memorial.

Mr Hughes continued: “A successful funding application to the Centenary War Memorial Restoration Fund and match funding from Kirkconnel Coalfields Trust enabled us to get the Plinth repaired and the surrounding path re-laid plus new edging slabs.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank JMC Contracts for the 1st class professional job done.” Another big achievement this year was the Bugs Hotel created with the Cub group and the Bird boxes the men and their Children made. These formed apart of the Environmental responsibility section.

Mr Hughes went on: “In the next few weeks we will be planting daffodil bulbs at Hyslop Street adjacent to Kelloholm Primary School.

“We will also be having a stall at this year’s Christmas lights switch on November 28 where we will be selling Brighten up Kirkconnel and Kelloholm calendars, coasters, key rings, fridge magnets all based on pictures of our work from this year.

“Finally I would like to thank members of the community who have assisted us in various forms (far too many to mention personally) and to everyone who supports our fund raising events.

“It’s all very much appreciated, for without that help this award wouldn’t have been possible.”