Despite the extreme weather these last few weeks, many villages in the Howe are blooming. A sea of colour greets locals and visitors, many of whom remark on the significant commitment needed by local volunteers to keep the hanging baskets, planters and tubs in such good condition.

Time then to thank all those who have worked so hard planting, weeding, watering, sowing and cleaning for the benefit of the community. WELL DONE TO YOU ALL.

And whilst competitions are not everything, there's been lots of activity on this front in local weeks. Congratulations to the following communities:

Freuchie - Runners-Up, Best Kept Village in Fife

Collessie - Winner, Best Kept Small Village in Fife. Beautiful Scotland Small Village entrant. (Collessie was the 2007 winner of the Beautiful Scotland Clachan Award (for populations up to 100)).

Cupar - Beautiful Scotland Medium Town entrant. (Cupar was the 2007 winner of the Beautiful Scotland Continuous Community Involvement Award).

Beautiful Scotland, formerly known as Beautiful Scotland in Bloom, is a prestigious campaign organised by aims to find the most beautiful, clean and sustainable communities in the country. This year for the first time the Horticultural Society award system has been introduced, giving communities more of a chance to scoop a prize in the bronze, silver, silver-glt & gold medals categories. Collessie & Cupar are 2 of only 48 communities being assessed on floral displays, sustainable development and biodiversity initiatives, environmental quality and community involvement. Winners in the Beautiful Scotland competition will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in Musselburgh on 17 September.

Falkland - is up against some of the UK's most colourful communities as 1 of 8 Scottish finalists in the national Britain in Bloom awards (having been winner of the Beautiful Scotland's Best Village Shield, Rosebowl Reserve Trophy and Large Village Trophy in 2007). Falkland is one of 7 finalists in the Beautiful Britain Large Village category alongside; Kirkby Stephen, Market Bosworth, Upton upon Severn, Woolton, Limpsfield and Cayton. Winners of the Britain in Bloom competition will be announced at a presentation in Chester on 24 September.

Thanks to everyone who has worked hard on their helping their community bloom this year. Feel proud of your achievements.