A project that used recycled Christmas trees to protect sand dunes at Lossiemouth East Beach has won a national honour at the COSLA Excellence Awards.
The initiative, which was led by the Lossiemouth Community Council in collaboration with Moray Council, scooped the Improving in Partnership Prize, which recognised the strength of the community-led innovation and its positive environmental impact.
Real Christmas trees donated by residents were repurposed and used to stabilise vulnerable dune systems, which in turn also enhanced natural coastal defences. The work has received widespread praise for its sustainability, community engagement and measurable benefits to the local environment.
Moray Council leader, councillor Kathleen Robertson, said, “I’m very pleased to see this project receive national recognition. It showcases what can be achieved when local communities, volunteers, and council teams work side by side with a shared purpose. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved.”
Carolle Ralph, chair of Lossiemouth Community Council, added, “We are thrilled to see the project win this prestigious award. What began as a pilot has grown into a highly successful example of community action, and we are grateful for the strong support and expertise from Moray Council.
“This recognition belongs to everyone who donated a tree, turned out to help, or championed the idea from the beginning. I’d like to thank in particular senior engineer at Moray Council Will Burnish, who was enormously helpful in making this project a reality.”
