Rouken Glen Park recognised with top UK title Published duration 1 December 2016

A Scottish park has been recognised with a top UK award.

Rouken Glen Park in East Renfrewshire, which was originally gifted to the people of Glasgow in 1906, was named the UK's Best Park of 2016.

The shortlist for the Fields in Trust award included Castle Gardens in County Antrim, Pontypool Park in Torfaen, and Preston Park Rockery in East Sussex.

Fields in Trust was established in 1925 by King George V as the National Playing Fields Association.

Rouken Glen Park is a 143-acre historic park located next to Thornliebank, Giffnock and Newton Mearns, about six miles to the south of Glasgow city centre.

The award came after the completion of a £3m transformation project in the park.

Fields in Trust chief executive Helen Griffiths said: "It's a beautiful green space and well-deserving of the accolade. The number of parks nominated this year and the votes cast across the competition show just how much the public cherish their local green spaces.

"The people of East Renfrewshire have sent a clear message that they love their local park and I hope that East Renfrewshire Council will recognise this by working with us to safeguard Rouken Glen Park as a place for community sport, play and recreation forever."

Natural beauty

East Renfrewshire Council parks manager Donnie McManus said: "We would like to thank everyone who voted for the park. Also a big thanks to all the staff who work tirelessly in the park, keeping it up to a very high standard.

"This award shows that the public of East Renfrewshire and the many visitors to the park hold it in such high esteem."

Councillor Vincent Waters, East Renfrewshire's convener of environment, added: "Rouken Glen has always held a very special place in the hearts of all its visitors and now it's official - it's the best park in the UK.

"This is a fantastic accolade to win and is just reward for all the hard work our dedicated staff and volunteers have put in to improving the park over the last few years.