2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards launched – including search to find the nation’s Town of the Year. Could that community be yours?
People across Lothian are being urged to celebrate their heroes of the high street.
Nominations have opened for the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards, celebrating the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.
As part of the awards, residents across Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian are being encouraged to nominate those they would like to see crowned High Street Hero for the Lothian region.
That accolade last year went to eco warrior Jim Allan, of Bathgate (top), an influential force in West Lothian Litter Pickers and its work to clear hundreds of tonnes of rubbish from the region’s streets and spaces.
People can also put their home area forward for national accolades including Town of the Year.
The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign encouraging people to back enterprises and organisations in their communities.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Every day, people and organisations go above and beyond to make their communities better and I’ve been lucky to meet a few of them and see what brilliant work they do. The impact of that determination to make a difference should never be underestimated.
“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward that success, celebrating collective and individual achievements. They are a fantastic way to say a special thank-you.”
The awards highlight the innovation and collaboration which will make towns and neighbourhoods stronger and more sustainable.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards highlight the innovation and collaboration which will make towns and neighbourhoods stronger and more sustainable.
The categories nationally are:
- Town of the Year
- Most Enterprising Community
- Place Leader of the Year
Eight High Street Hero Awards will also be presented – one in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions – recognising a person or organisation who make life better in their area.
Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.
The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Wednesday, August 30th 2025. Finalists will be announced in September with presentations made to winners in October. A special reception will take place in Edinburgh in November.
Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local. This is the fifth year in which the awards have been held.
