All women lineup sweeps the board at the Scotland’s annual Cllr Awards

EDINBURGH LEAVES CITY CHAMBERS EVENT EMPTY-HANDED

The winners of the only national awards to celebrate the vital work of councillors across Scotland were revealed last night at the 2024 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards.

Winners were announced at a ceremony at Edinburgh’s City Chambers, showcasing the best of local government.

Top prize of the evening, Leader of the Year, went to Cllr Emma Macdonald, Leader of Shetland Islands Council.

Cllr Annette Christie of Glasgow City Council was this year’s Innovator of the Year and Cllr Katie Pragnell from East Renfrewshire Council walked away with Young Councillor of the Year. Another East Renfrewshire councillor, Cllr Betty Cunningham was crowned Lifetime Legend and the coveted Community Champion award went to Glasgow City Council’s Cllr Elaine McSporran.

The five categories reflect the varied contributions made by a wide range of councillors, and winners were chosen from more than 100 nominations. All too often the work of councillors can go unrecognised and the purpose of the Cllr Awards is to champion what councillors do for their local communities. 

Winners were chosen by a judging panel comprised of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These important Awards – a staple in the local government calendar –  are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Read more about the winners here.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “Councillors across Scotland do incredible work day in and day out to support their communities, make local areas better places to live, and ensure the voices of residents are heard across council decision making.

“At LGIU, we are determined to celebrate these remarkable achievements, which genuinely improve residents’ lives and the well-being of our communities. I want to congratulate all of our very worthy Cllr Awards winners this evening.

“Their dedication and service represent the very best of local government.”  

Kelly Watson, Head of Public Sector Relationships, CCLA said: “Local councillors are at the heart of communities and nights like this are an opportunity to showcase the contributions and real world impact made by those unsung heroes striving for a better world. The work undertaken by councillors positively impacts people’s lives in countless ways. 

“As councils are facing unprecedented challenging times, these Awards remind us of how important and vital the work of local councillors and councils is.”