Glasgow's Botanic Gardens has blossomed into one of the country's best picnic locations. The West End park has been shortlisted in a contest for its collection of tropical plants and hosting of Scottish arts and crafts festivals.

The gardens will battle it out with nine other Scots beauty spots in the competition, organised by bread firm Warburtons and VisitScotland.

The winning entry will go on to represent Scotland in the UK finals later in the year and whichever goes on to represent the nation will be hoping to make it two-in-a-row, after Cambus O'May Woods in Aberdeenshire scooped last year's award.

VisitScotland chief executive Philip Riddle said: "There are countless areas of beauty throughout Scotland and many places where people can enjoy fantastic family picnics and wonderful days out.

"I urge all those who are passionate about picnics to cast their vote for their favourite spot."

We asked the people of Glasgow to name their ideal picnic location. City's park in the running for title as top setting for enjoying an alfresco meal JESSIE PARK, 51, bank worker, city centre: It's Loch Lomond for me. The views and the scenery all add up to make it a lovely place. DEBORAH PARK, 20, student: Loch Lomond. There is something special about it, plus the shops are actually pretty good. TOM BRECKENRIDGE, 79, retired, city centre: Bellahouston Park is a lovely place and I couldn't think of anywhere better for a picnic. JENNIFER IRVINE, 30, legal cashier, Cumbernauld: Blairdrummond Safari Park near Stirling is great. It has a picnic area and it's fun watching the animals. DAWN JONES, 29, legal cashier, South Side: I like Loch Lomond. There's just something about the place. I've always enjoyed the peacefulness there. GORDON McKIE, 20, student, Kirkintilloch: Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow is superb. It's one of the greenest places in and around the city centre. SARAH KANE, 20, retail manager, South Side: Pollok Park, near the Burrell Collection, is pretty good for a picnic. It's calm, peaceful and has some lovely scenery. MADELEINE BARNETSON, 71, retired, city centre: Bellahouston Park is great. We've been there a few times. It really is a gorgeous place.