Following a public meeting organised by Ayton Community Council, a new group, Ayton Enhancement Group, was set up in early February 2011.

The object of the group is to work towards the improvement of Ayton village by means of floral displays and other appropriate means.

At a meeting of interested residents, the following were elected:

Chairman - Vic Swain

Secretary - Dave Holland

Treasurer - Bill Black

Other Committee Members - Camilla Bailey, Sheila Pearson, Ann Dolan, Wendy Smillie.

The group has been very active over the summer and autumn.

Lots of work was carried out in preparation for the Scotland's Floral Gateway competition, judged in July, in which Ayton came a very creditable second in the small villages section. In past few months the Enhancement Group has:

• provided planted tubs and troughs along the High Street for summer display.
• planted crocus bulbs at the village's southern entrance with the aid of pupils from Ayton Primary School.
• created a new flower bed on the High Street at the Old Town.
• weeded of pavements at the north and south ends of the village.
• planted tulip bulbs and pansies in the High Street tubs and beds for spring.