Could your town be crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year?
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – celebrating the people, places and projects helping communities across Scotland thrive.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership as part of the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, the awards recognise the remarkable work taking place in towns and neighbourhoods across the country to create stronger, more sustainable and vibrant places to live, work and visit.
From transformational regeneration projects and innovative community initiatives to inspiring local champions making a real difference, the awards shine a spotlight on the people and partnerships shaping Scotland’s future.
Award categories
Scotland’s Town of the Year
The Town of the Year Award recognises a town that demonstrates a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place. Applications should demonstrate alignment with the Town Centre First Principle and the Place Principle.
Judges will be looking for towns that can demonstrate leadership, collaboration and tangible progress in strengthening their local economy and community. Entries may highlight multiple initiatives which together demonstrate positive change within the town.
Innovation in Place
The Innovation in Place Award recognises a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood.
This award celebrates the practical work happening on the ground, from regeneration and town centre initiatives to community-led activity, cultural programmes, business initiatives and environmental improvements.
Entries should focus on a clearly defined project or intervention, rather than a whole-town approach. Projects may be led by local authorities, community organisations, improvement districts, businesses or partnerships, and should demonstrate tangible outcomes and positive change for the local area.
Projects may draw on a wide range of approaches, including activity across arts and culture, buildings and property, clean and green initiatives, enterprise and business, and streets and spaces.
High Street Hero Awards
The High Street Hero Award celebrates individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond to support and strengthen their local town centre, high street or neighbourhood economy.
This award recognises the everyday champions of Scotland’s towns – the people and organisations who make a meaningful difference through their dedication, but also through the leadership, initiative and drive they bring to improving their place.
Nominees may include individuals or organisations working in local authorities, businesses, community organisations, improvement districts, development trusts or other place-based partnerships.
Eight High Street Hero awards will be presented across the Scottish Parliament electoral regions: Central Scotland and Lothians West, Edinburgh and Lothians East, Glasgow, Highlands and Islands, Mid Scotland and Fife, North East Scotland, South Scotland, West Scotland. Find your region here: https://boundaries.scot/
Submit a nomination
Do you know a town, project, organisation or local champion making a difference in your community?
Nominations are open until 5pm on Friday 14 August 2026.
Award criteria and nomination forms can be found below.
Winners will be announced in October.
