The deadline to enter this year’s Scotland Loves Local Awards has been extended by one week following an overwhelming response from communities across the country.
Nominations will now close at 11:55pm on Wednesday 27 August, giving individuals, groups and organisations more time to shine a spotlight on the people and projects making a real difference in their local areas.
Now in their fifth year, the Scotland Loves Local Awards celebrate innovation, dedication and commitment in towns and neighbourhoods across Scotland. They recognise the efforts of people and organisations working to create places which are cleaner, greener, fairer and more sustainable – places where people want to live, work, visit and invest.
From left to right, last year’s place leader of the year, Peter Telfer, most enterprising community, Letham Climate Challenge, and town of the year, Oban
Award Categories
- Town of the Year
Recognising towns that exemplify the National Towns Framework Objectives and deliver on the Town Centre Action Plan. Judges will consider how well entries support inclusive, vibrant and sustainable places, alignment with the Town Centre First Principle, partnership working with local stakeholders, and bold future plans to drive growth and recovery.
- Most Enterprising Community
Celebrating communities that use creativity and innovation to drive regeneration and economic activity. This could include converting vacant units, launching social enterprises, delivering new events or initiatives such as markets or tours, introducing digital innovation, or advancing local green projects such as circular economy practices or sustainable energy generation.
- Place Leader of the Year
Awarded to an individual who has played an outstanding role in the regeneration or development of a town, smaller settlement or city district. This could be through spearheading strategic visions, leading regeneration projects, supporting local businesses or consistently promoting partnership working to deliver long-term, positive change.
- High Street Hero
Presented to a business, organisation, social enterprise, charity or individual who has gone above and beyond to support their community. This award will recognise acts of dedication and impact, from responding to specific challenges to ongoing efforts which make a tangible difference. A High Street Hero will be named in each of the eight Scottish Parliament electoral regions.
A National Celebration
All finalists will be invited to join a special Scotland Loves Local Celebration in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 November, where the winners will be announced.
Organisers are urging communities to use the extra time to ensure their local champions are recognised, whether they are delivering regeneration, driving innovation, responding to the climate emergency or making town centres better places to live, work and visit.
Apply here: https://lovelocal.scot/awards/
