Sheltered housing complex in Falkirk praised by Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign

A sheltered housing complex in Falkirk has won praise for a project that gives older people the opportunity to develop their own garden.

Thornhill Court - part of Bield, Scotland’s largest care, community and housing provider – has been acclaimed in a Keep Scotland Beautiful ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Annual Review’, a national campaign highlighting the work of community groups in improving their local area, after residents helped to create a garden for everyone to enjoy.

The garden, which has already won a Keep Scotland Beautiful Certificate of Outstanding Achievement and a Certificate of Distinction, features colourful flowers, benches and wind chimes.

Angie Shanks, resource manager at Thornhill Court, said: “We are delighted with the accolade, which embodies Bield’s commitment to providing quality care which enhances and enriches lives.

“The garden project was created five years ago by staff with the intention of helping empower tenants to eventually take ownership of it themselves.

“This has been achieved and now the majority of the planning, planting and maintenance is done by tenants.

“The garden is a real motivator for tenants to work together and has given them a sense of achievement. It was also a good way to improve the local environment.”