SURF (Scotland’s Regeneration Forum) has published the shortlist for its awards in this extraordinary year.

This year pays particular focus to projects and communities that have come together to support those most in need through current challenges resulting from the Covid pandemic. There were 50 applications and 15 have been shortlisted by the panel of 20 judges.

SURF Chief Executive Andy Milne said:

“This has been no ordinary year for anyone, or for the SURF Awards.

“Community based regeneration projects have shown not just how creative and vital they are in a real emergency.

“They have also demonstrated how much more could be achieved by sharing local knowledge and supporting community assets in new and longer term partnerships.”

The shortlisted projects are as follows:

Housing and Regeneration:

• Dunarn Street, Newtyle (Angus)
• Nith Valley Leaf Trust Community Owned Passivhaus Project (Dumfries and Galloway)
• Gairloch (Wester Ross)

Supporting Youth Employability:

• Street League: Head Body Future (National)
• Move On: Employability Fund (Glasgow)
• Community Renewal Trust: Youth Employability Team (Edinburgh)

Creative Regeneration:

• The Glasgow Barons (Govan)
• Plantation Productions: Creative Steps to Positive Mental Health (Govan)
• Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre (Glasgow)

Community Led Regeneration:

• Bridgend Farmhouse Community Hub (Edinburgh)
• The Tannahill Centre (Paisley)
• Rom Romeha (Govanhill)

Scotland’s Most Improved Place:

• Fernbrae Meadows, Rutherglen (South Lanarkshire)
• New Cumnock (East Ayrshire)
• Campbeltown Town Centre (Argyll and Bute)

There will also be a Special Achievement Award to a Community Led project in recognition of their efforts to support their community through the Covid lockdown period.

Aileen Campbell,Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government,said:

“In this exceptionally challenging year, we have seen an unprecedented response from Scotland’s communities. They have supported each other like never before.

“I am delighted that this year’s Awards recognise those who have truly gone above and beyond for those most in need.

“The care and compassion shown by these communities is inspiring and will help us to emerge from the COVID -19 pandemic stronger and even more together.”