NOMINATIONS have opened for the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards with people urged to come forward to honour on community champions.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards aim to honour high street heroes across the country, as well as seeing one place named as the nation’s Town of the Year.
The group say they want to reward local organisations driving economic success, attracting investment and delivering change in their area.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP Chief Officer, said: “The desire to make a difference and create a new future for Scotland’s communities should never be underestimated.
“We see every day how hard work and innovation is helping people and places to manage the cost of living, tackle the climate emergency while transforming places to become better, fairer, more attractive and successful.
“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the determination and collaboration which really is improving lives in so many ways.”
Nationally, awards will be presented to:
- Town of the Year
- Most Enterprising Community
- Place Leader of the Year
Eight High Street Hero Awards recognising those who go above and beyond to make communities of all sizes better places to live will also be presented.
One will be awarded in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions of Central Scotland, Glasgow, Highlands and Islands, Lothian, Mid Scotland and Fife, North East Scotland, South Scotland and West Scotland.
Technology solutions company Vicinity, which works with councils and business improvement districts to provide data and audience insights to promote local, is sponsoring the Town of the Year category.
Henry Jinman, Vicinity Chief Executive, said: “Our work gives us a fascinating insight into what makes places tick and we are delighted to work alongside STP to help foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in Scotland’s Towns and Places.
“That is why we are delighted to be supporting the Town of the Year category, to shine a spotlight on fantastic work being carried out by organisations and individuals across the country, making a real difference to places and the people who live there.”
Award nominations can be made a the love local website, where full category criteria can also be found.
The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Friday, August 23 2024.
Finalists will be announced in September with presentations made to winners in October.
The achievements of finalists will also be celebrated at the Scotland’s Towns Conference in Perth on November 27.
