John Nicol is the guiding light in Kinnesswood in Bloom. He is a quiet and methodical organiser, who can be seen ensuring the grass is cut, the beds and planters watered, carrying out spot weeding, painting signs and spreading mulches. He plans the year ahead for the group by organising the plant requirements, as well as visiting the suppliers to ensure quality is maintained, and as the season progresses suggests the order that tasks should be carried out. John is keen to stress that the success of Kinnesswood in Bloom is a team effort, although the Bloom team are also keen to stress that without John their successes would be limited.
Within Kinnesswood Portmoak Primary School is where John helps the pupils learn about gardening from pond dipping to growing edibles. Using his easy going and relaxed manner, John guides the children in how to grow their own vegetables, make compost, sow seeds and plant up containers plus learning about the numerous insects that create a buzz on the school campus.
In 2019, with John’s guidance, Kinnesswood won a Gold Medal in Beautiful Scotland in the Small Village category. In the Take Pride in Perthshire competition Kinnesswood won Gold and the Small Village Category together with Best School Working Partnership, with a special award to John for his Outstanding Contribution.
