Submit Nominations for Scotland Loves Local Awards

Deadline: 10-Sep-21

Nominations are now open for the Scotland Loves Local Awards.

The awards are a celebration of all that is great about the nation’s towns and neighbourhoods- recognising and rewarding remarkable dedication and commitment towards shaping a sustainable, successful future with localism at its heart.

They are about highlighting the people, places and projects which are leading the way in making a difference, delivering benefits which will help make the communities cleaner, greener, stronger and fairer whether through design, delivery or sheer determination.

Awards include the commendation of a High Street Hero- a business or organisation (or an individual associated with one) which has gone above and beyond to support those around them, whether inside or outwith the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event will also celebrate inspirational leaders; those who embrace heritage and culture to the benefit of their community, positive place-makers; and businesses who are doing their bit for and responding to the climate emergency.

They are all about the people who are at the heart of why Scotland Loves Local.

Categories

Climate Town Award: Any project or initiative which contributes to the environmental sustainability or natural beauty of a place. These could include:
- Initiatives to beautify the community, and keep it ‘clean and green’.
- Projects or promotion of re-cycle, re-use or circular economy practices.
- Local sustainable energy generation.
- Promotion of active travel options.
Creative Town Award: Initiatives which contribute to the creative vitality or unique identity of a place. Qualifying projects could involve the following:
- Arts projects improving the public realm (murals, lighting, beautifying vacant spaces etc).
- Creative and arts-based events and performances.
- Heritage-based projects and regeneration.
- Initiatives to engage and develop the local creative community.
Streets and Spaces Award: Initiatives to improve the physical space for the wellbeing of local residents and visitors, including supporting the 20 Minute Neighbourhood concept.
- Accessibility improvements.
- Infrastructure to encourage and facilitate active travel.
- Creation or regeneration of community spaces / meeting points (squares, community centres, pop-up gardens, provision of local facilities).
- Placement of services within walking distance of most local residents.
Innovative Town Award: Projects which support innovative practices regarding local economic activity or the use of digital technologies. For example:
- Supporting businesses to trade online and use digital platforms.
- Creation of place-based apps, websites and digital infrastructure.
- New economic initiatives such as street markets or local fairs.
- Support for local businesses and shops to trade safely during COVID restrictions.
- Conversions of vacant units into new purposes.
Town Centre Living Award: Developments which support the residential offer in town centres or city neighbourhoods.
- Converting pre-existing properties into town centre housing.
- Construction or conversion of housing targeted at specific demographics such as elderly or vulnerable groups.
- Affordable housing developments.
- Housing developments linked to wider community services.
- Housing developments planned with input from local groups / residents.
Place Leader Award: The Place Leader Award will be presented to an individual who has played an exceptional role in driving the development or regeneration of a city district, town or smaller settlement. Examples could include spearheading the development and delivery of a strategic vision for a place, designing initiatives to support local businesses, leading a key regeneration project, or being responsible for coordinating place-based regeneration in an area over the long term.
High Street Hero: The Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero Award will be presented to a business, organisation, constituted charity or social enterprise (including an individual associated with the organisation) which has gone above and beyond to support those around them, whether inside or outwith the Covid-19 pandemic.