Parks and greenspaces are amazing places at the heart of our communities They give us breathing spaces where we can take time out from the stresses of our everyday lives, places where we can relax and spend time with family and friends, and spaces where nature can flourish in the heart of our towns and cities.
Park Portraits is a digital photo gallery bringing to life the stories of a dozen Scottish people and the ways that parks have enriched their lives. From Aberdeen to Cumbernauld, Leith to Dumbarton, and across to the Hebrides, greenspace scotland has worked with talented Scottish photographer David Anderson to capture soulful portraits of people who exemplify the value that parks provide.
You can also take a look at the Public Figures Park Portrait Gallery and we'll be adding to this over time.
We would love to see and read your Park Portraits and park stories so please Submit your Park Portrait to get added to our Park Portraits - Your Story gallery.
Donate to Parks4Life
Claire Mennim has no shortage of fond memories at The Helix park one of her favourites being a dance flash mob she took part in 10 years ago, just as the Kelpies were being built. Read more
Donya and Wallace make the most of Leith Links in Edinburgh enjoying the big openness of the park, enjoying the fresh air and meeting human as well as canine friends. Read more
The family has been visiting Mugdock Country Park since 1944 – a tradition that has spanned generations. Now even though the family is spread far apart they visit the park when they are together. Read more
Learning her craft at summer camp in Poland at age 17. Years later, she was reminded of the joy it brought her seeing fire dancers on the beach in Thailand. She began to practise in Leith’s Pilrig Park. Read more
Greg grew up near Roslin Glen, and now takes his own children to the same park he used to visit with his father, continuing his own childhood traditions Read more
Julie Procter sees parks as a vital part of Scotland’s communities while spending time in her own local greenspace, Laigh Hills Park in Dunblane to let the stress of the world go away for a wee while Read more
Three generations of Rie’s family visit Strathclyde Country Park regularly because they say it feels like home and everyone there treats them like family. Read more
Rosie and her family have been involved in development of new playpark on the Isle of Coll, the island’s first public play park for the local children. Read more
Scott knows Silverburn Park inside and out having been a visitor, volunteer and now Campsite Manager. Read more
Shona Bowie and her son Zac have been visiting the Bellshill pump track at Strathclyde Country Park all summer, where BMXing has become an outlet for Zac, who has autism, to focus his mind and get out his energy. Read more
Chatelherault Country Park in my eyes is the most beautiful park in South Lanarkshire. I live within walking distance which means I go there multiple times every week. Read more
Tom McAra and his sister started Rebel PT in Aberdeen as a way to bring adults together to train and work out in nature. But this exercise group is not just about fitness – it’s about creating community and getting outdoors rain or shine. Read more
Retired Royal Marine Commando Willie Mungall began his habit of weekly walks in Saughton Park last year, when he started taking part in Health All Round’s ‘Walk with a Doc’ programme. Read more