Amongst the seven top awards scooped by the Kingdom, Cupar came first in the Medium Town Trophy category while St Andrews topped the Coastal Resort Town class.

Glenrothes scooped two prizes including the top award for the first time — the coveted Rosebowl Trophy — and the Large Town Trophy.

Fife Council also excelled, scooping three trophies — the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, awarded for horticultural excellence; the ISPAL Scotland Trophy for excellence in permanent landscaping; and the Wright Sustainable Development Award for sustainable development through local agenda.

The north east Fife villages of Collessie and Grange of Lindores were also presented with silver awards in the Clachan category.

Commenting on Cupar in Bloom's efforts to improve the town, Beautiful Scotland judges said: "You cannot fail to be infected by the passion and commitment of the 'Bloom' representatives in Cupar — they have both zeal and energy in abundance.

"This was not only apparent on the day, but throughout the whole year, where presentation boards demonstrated their capacity to raise funds, encourage locals and inspire children.

"Particular praise must go not only the people of Cupar, Fife Council and the Bloom representatives, but also to the teachers of Kilmaron and Castlehill schools for their dedication to what their schools both represent to the pupils and wider community."

St Andrews also made a big impression on judges during their visit in July.

"St Andrews impressed with the overall enthusiasm shown by the group, which included a good cross section of the active organisations within the town, including the university," said the judges.

"This enthusiasm was demonstrated with all the persons met at the various stopping points.
"The quality of the planting and the plans for the future also reinforced this overall impression".