PICTURES: Kingussie is bursting into colour thanks to volunteers
Strips of grass around Kingussie are blooming as part of a community-run project to turn verges and grassy areas into more biodiverse wildflower meadows.
More than 70 local people of all ages have been involved in raking the grass off mown areas, scarifying the ground and introducing native wildflower seed since autumn 2022.
Rachel Avery, who has been coordinating the project, told the Strathy: “The yellow rattle we introduced to the verges up Ardbroilach Road and at Garraline Terrace is really coming into its own this summer in places.
“This native flower is great for bees and also helps to weaken the grass and so will allow other wildflowers to flourish in time.
“We were really unfortunate as the drought early last summer meant many of the seeds sown in Ardvonie Park didn’t germinate successfully, but some of the strips there have come up really nicely this summer.
“All the areas that volunteers are managing will get better and better with time as the grass gets weaker and the perennial wildflowers establish more strongly, so things should look even more gorgeous in summers to come.”
The Kingussie wildflower mini-meadows were established with funding for seeds and tools from the Cairngorms Trust and KCDC’s Hydro Fund, and support from Highland Council amenities team.
The signboards designed by Kingussie P6/7 pupils last year have been given a new lease of life thanks to John Pickering of Ardbroilach Road.
Janet Kinnaird, Kingussie Community Council secretary, said: “The town is once again looking blooming good.
“Thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, pupils from both Kingussie High School and Kingussie Primary School along with trainees from Caberfeidh Horizons the Gynack Gardens are looking wonderful as is the area in front of the Court House and other planters around the town.
“Businesses have organised hanging baskets which give the town a holiday atmosphere.
“Joining this burst of colour this year is the glorious patchwork of wild flower meadows to be seen around the local streets.”
