awards – Page 5 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Capital hat trick at Scottish Transport Awards

Transport Convener Lesley Macinnes has welcomed three prestigious awards for the City of Edinburgh Council at the Scottish Transport Awards 2020.

The Council’s pioneering 20mph rollout triumphed in the awards as the Most Effective in Road Safety, Traffic Management and Enforcement, while the Excellence in Walking, Public Realm & Cycling award was won by the Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme (Just Eat Cycles), which is run on the Council’s behalf by Transport for Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh Trams scooped the Excellence in Travel Information & Marketing award for a successful partnership campaign with Scottish Rugby, and Lothian bus driver Matty Tunnock was highly commended in the Frontline Employee of the Year category.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport Convener, said: “It’s great to see the success of our pioneering 20mph network recognised at a national level and I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all involved in this project, as well as the others that picked up awards.

“These awards are welcomed as we continue to implement schemes like the 20mph network and our Just Eat Cycles bike hire scheme which make it easier for people to travel safely and sustainably around our city.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport Vice Convener, said: “A huge well done to everyone involved in the 20mph network, our Cycle for Hire scheme and those at Edinburgh Trams and Scottish Rugby – we’re doing great work across Edinburgh in making our city a safer place to travel round and spend time.”

Edinburgh was the first city in Scotland to implement a 20mph network, which aims to create calmer, more welcoming and people-friendly streets, encouraging healthy, active travel. It saw a 20mph speed limit implemented across residential roads, shopping streets and the city centre, with many other cities in the UK and Europe following suit.

Calmer speeds help to reduce the risk and severity of collisions, encourage people to walk and cycle and to spend more time in an area. The reduced speed also makes it easier to cross roads, particularly for children, older people and those with mobility issues.

The top prize in the Walking, Public Realm and Cycling category was scooped by Edinburgh Cycle Hire, one of the fastest growing cycle hire schemes in the UK. The two-year old scheme, run on the Council’s behalf by Transport for Edinburgh, was recognised for improving urban mobility across the city, helping to support economic growth, reduce traffic congestion, and improve health and wellbeing.

Edinburgh Trams was recognised for its partnership with Scottish Rugby, which included a tram wrap of players in the new kit, special automated announcements from popular players at Murrayfield and even saw the national team take the tram to Edinburgh Airport ahead of an international fixture.

The Scottish Transport Awards acknowledge and celebrate industry achievements across Scotland and are supported by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland.

Going The Extra Mile

Delight for mental health charity Penumbra and partners as Milestone Edinburgh is recognised in prestigious awards

Penumbra Milestone in Edinburgh has been awarded a prestigious health award in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards. Milestone won the award for most innovative mental health service with judges describing the team as “going the extra mile with excellent outcomes”.

Penumbra Milestone is an alcohol-free 10-bed step-down residential facility which provides short-term care for people with ARBD (Alcohol Related Brain Damage) who no longer require medical intervention, but who are not ready to go directly home.

The service is a partnership between mental health charity Penumbra, NHS Lothian, City of Edinburgh Health&Social Care Partnership, Midlothian H&SCP, West Lothian H&SCP, East Lothian H&SCP, and Waverley Care.

Through the provision of intensive, multidisciplinary support Penumbra Milestone improves outcomes for people with ARBD and reduces the number of days they spend in an acute hospital settings despite no longer requiring acute medical care.

ARBD is the term that is used to describe a range of symptoms which occur following a prolonged period of heavy drinking, such as: difficulty remembering, difficulty concentrating, feeling confused, irritated, or having difficulty making choices and decisions. With the right care, support and treatment people with ARBD can make a significant recovery.

Penumbra Milestone Service Manager Lesley Forbes said: “We’re delighted to win this award for Milestone. The team and I are all feeling very proud that our work has been recognised in this way.

“Awards like this are a chance to raise awareness of ARBD and it also shines a light on the innovative work we undertake with the inspirational people who access our service here at Milestone.

“The wellbeing outcomes for people accessing Milestone who are at risk of slipping through the net are quite astounding. But we know that the more we recognise and understand ARBD and with the right support, people can and do make a significant recovery.”

East Lothian IJB Chair Councillor Fiona O’Donnell said: “Penumbra’s Milestone Project richly deserves the Innovative Interventions Award. I know that it has made a real and positive difference in the lives of the people who use its services.

“Congratulations to our partners at Milestone – your work and approach is outstanding and makes a lasting contribution to the recovery of people with ARDB.’’

Fiona Hume, Assistant Programme Manager, NHS Lothian said: “I am delighted that the ARBD Unit at Penumbra Milestone has been recognised for their innovative approach to supporting the mental health and well being of people with ARBD.

“The team’s hard work. skill and dedication to working with this vulnerable group of patients is truly inspiring and even more so in the challenging times of Covid. This service and all the staff involved are a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working and delivering a person centred care service.”

Superhero lockdown dad nominated for award

14-year-old Charlie Bright of Sighthill, Edinburgh, has nominated Dad, Colin, in a national competition that asks families to name unsung heroes who’ve gone above and beyond for them in lockdown.

Colin Bright, who works as a receptionist at the Sighthill Health Centre and recently celebrated 30 years of continuous service in the NHS, has been nominated by his son, Charlie, in a national competition run by heating systems manufacturer, Viessmann.

Charlie wants to say thank you to his Dad for helping to look after him and his mum by working longer hours throughout lockdown and helping mum, Tracey, who has a long-term hearing impairment.

Colin has also taken on helping Charlie with his homework since lockdown led to a nationwide closure of schools as part of plans by the government to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“I’ve been trying to do homework, but it’s not easy as I don’t have a teacher in front of me to help and my mum has tried her best and my dad has too,” says Charlie, 14.

Tracey has struggled with the effects of the lockdown and has felt rather lonely. With the recent government ruling enforcing masks in all shops, cinemas, galleries, banks, museums and places of worship, Tracey now feels nervous about going to the shops without Colin as she relies on lip-reading to speak with others.

“I tend to stay at home as much as possible as the wearing of face masks has left me really stressed out due to not enough awareness of the sunflower lanyard for hidden disabilities,” says Tracey.

“I have, a few times, had to explain myself to shop store staff as they have been asking me questions and I can’t see their face if they have a mask on! It feels rather embarrassing as I don’t like having to explain myself.

“After a few situations, I gave up going, so now Colin has an extra job to do and go to shops when he gets home from work or at the weekend.”

Colin, 50, works in Sighthill Health Centre in the treatment rooms and has been having to balance longer hours whilst continuing to support the family and his son with his work.

“My dad’s work is getting busier with patients as the doctors are seeing more and more people. He works on the reception desk booking patients appointments and checking them in when they arrive. He always comes home very tired as it can be a very busy long day trying to help people.”

Viessmann’s Nation’s Warmest Appreciation competition is designed to help children and families show appreciation to others’ good deeds during the first half of 2020.

“This has been a tough year for many of us, each facing our own challenges thanks to the unprecedented fallout the pandemic has brought, says James Harper, Marketing Manager at Viessmann.

“As a family-owned company that has pulled out all the stops to take care of its own members around the world over the past few months, Viessmann wanted to focus on all the good that has been going on around us all and how these times have also brought us all closer together.

“Gratitude is timeless, and because of this, we wanted to be able to help show off all the good deeds and kind acts our nation has been up to during the last six months. And by also recognising that there are still many other charities and causes that are in need of extra funding and support right now, it makes perfect sense to donate a part of the prize to those causes too.”

To enter, anyone between the age of 5-14 was invited to show their appreciation with a drawing, picture, poem or story showing who they were nominating and why they wanted to nominate them.

“I would love to nominate my Dad for all his hard work during these tough times and allowing me and Mum to stay safe at home, he is my real hero!” said Colin in his entry submission.

Entries for the competition are open until the 22nd August, with the final prize being £100 vouchers to both the entrant and nominated person and a £100 donation to a charity of their choice.

For more information and for your chance to enter, please visit the Viessmann site here.

Leith salon reaches final of Wella Hair Awards

Award winning Edinburgh salon SESH Hairdressing have reached the finals of the 2020 Wella TrendVision Hair Awards.

After submitting their entry digitally, the news was announced earlier this week to reveal SESH Hairdressing are through to the next stage in the competition.

Bernard Street’s SESH Hairdressing entered via their Instagram page by sharing editorial images from their ‘Beautiful Seduction’ collection created in 2019. The salon shared six images from this collection and were announced as national finalists in the competition.

The Wella Professionals TrendVision Award is an iconic industry competition and a spectacular platform for true creativity, where up and coming stylists, as well as the most masterful colour work within the industry are celebrated.

This year saw over 1000 photographic entries and SESH Hairdressing were thrilled to be amongst the few finalists revealed. The ‘Beautiful Seduction’ collection has gained lots of popularity over the past year as it also finalised for Scottish Hairdresser of the Year 2019 at the British Hairdressing Awards.

Owner of SESH Hairdressing, Simon Hill (above) commented; “We are thrilled to be recognised in the Editorial Image category of the 2020 Wella Trend Vision Awards.

“We pour our heart and soul into our annual collections and to have finalised for another award after our nomination for Scottish Hairdresser of the Year in 2019 is an incredible feeling. We are looking forward to the national heat of the competition.”

Bright Red Sparks shortlist announced

The shortlist has been unveiled for the third Bright Red Sparks awards, which showcase innovative products and services developed by start-ups, spinouts, fledging companies and entrepreneurs.

The popular awards, an initiative of Edinburgh Napier’s Bright Red Triangle enterprise hub, will this year move online as a Facebook live event on the evening of Tuesday April 14.

Trailblazing students, staff and alumni from across the University community will compete for more than £10,000 in prizes, with food, clothing, cleaning and media businesses among a wide range of projects hoping to impress the judges.

The 19 shortlisted enterprises across six categories will be assessed for everything from the viability of their ideas and clarity of planning to thoroughness of research and potential for growth.

Nick Fannin, Head of Bright Red Triangle, said: “The Bright Red Sparks Awards are a salute to all the enterprising students, staff and alumni from Edinburgh Napier University. We are in awe of the creativity, determination and energy of all of our University community to solve problems, to capture opportunities and to build businesses with purpose.

“Due to the current lockdown we have taken the decision to cancel the awards ceremony but we wanted to announce the shortlist in line with our original timeline as ultimately we want to be able to award the prize money at a time when businesses and self-employed people really need it.

“It’s great to be able to reward hard work and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support from our generous supporters and sponsors, Shepherd and Wedderburn, Morton Ward, Graphic Designer Pro, Santander Universities and the Moffat Charitable Trust.

“The package of support that our sponsors have offered will help our winners at a time when they really need it. We expect great things from all of those shortlisted, so watch out for their names in the future.”

The 2020 shortlist was drawn up after scrutiny of the entrants’ online application forms, business models and video pitches.

John Morrison, Senior Associate at law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn, said: “This year’s shortlist only highlights the continued quality of Bright Red Sparks entries, a showcase of the drive and innovative thinking that we need, now more than ever, to build successful businesses for the future. Congratulations to the finalists for reaching this stage, and we wish you all the very best of luck.”

Ewan Morton, Managing Director at creative agency Morton Ward, said: “‘It is inspiring to see such bold, brave and brilliant ideas coming from the Bright Red Sparks finalists.

“Not only do these entrepreneurial ideas represent sound business thinking but they also offer hope for the future by embracing digital technologies, the circular economy and environmental sustainability.”

Bright Red Sparks Awards 2020 shortlist

Bright Ideas (£2000 prize + in-kind support)

CupClean cleaning product (Ross McFarland), 10T clothing brand (James Marshall), FoxBox tableware hire service (Linda Freimane)

Going for Growth (£2000 prize + in-kind support)

MaRobert’s food and sauces (Maggie Mazoleka), High Tide film and video production (Alex Porter-Smith, Eathan Currie), Monstrous Regiment Publishing indie press (Lauren Nickoemus, Ellen Desmond)

Business for Good (£2000 prize)

10T clothing brand (James Marshall), Fine Piece homeware from recycled materials (Kirsty McKain & Rebecca Subido), EQUIPLY supply chain equality (Wai Fong Lam)

Active Citizens (£1000 prize)

Bloody Big Project period poverty awareness (Hannah Stevens, Brogan Henderson, Sam Calder), Towns of Today personalised guides (Rory Cotter, Morgan Tamplin), pRESPECT reducing child poverty (Viana Maya, Karsten Huttenhain)

Enterprising Educators (£2000 prize)

Enterprise Partnership Initiative student entrepreneurship (Dr King Omeihe), Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme developing entrepreneurial thinking (Dr Christopher Cramphorn, Dr Rosemary Alford), Built Environment Exchange sustainable construction (Prof Robert Hairstans, Dr Mila Duncheva, Andrew Livingstone, Carola Calcagno, Wojciech Plowas), Design for Professional Practice career development (Ruth Cochrane)

Freelancer of the Year (£1000 prize + in-kind support)

Loïc Bauméa web development, Bright Edge Media video storytelling (John Matheson), Charles Seed Media photographer and videographer

The awards will be shown as a Facebook Live event at 7pm on Tuesday 14 April via the Facebook page @ BrightRTriangle here

Still time to enter Tes Schools Awards

Have you started your submissions yet?

There are just ten days left to enter the Tes Schools Awards 2020.

From your wellbeing initiatives to your environmental endeavours, or the innovative ways you’ve improved results in core subjects, the awards are your school’s opportunity to shout about your triumphs and celebrate the teachers, staff and teams that are making a real difference to the lives of your students.

We know that it can be hard to find the time to complete your entries all at once, so you can start your submissions, save what you’ve done, and return to complete them by Friday 27 March.

Entry is free and open to state schools throughout the UK.

Find out more and enter

This year’s categories:

Classroom support assistant of the year
English teacher or team of the year
Maths teacher or team of the year
Science, technology and engineering teacher or team of the year
New teacher of the year
Headteacher of the year
Best use of technology
Wellbeing and mental health award
Community and collaboration award
Environment champion of the year
School business leader of the year
Creative school of the year
Early years setting of the year
Primary school of the year
Secondary school of the year
Alternative provision school of the year
Lifetime achievement
Overall school of the year

For full details of this year’s awards and to enter, visit
tesawards.co.uk

RIAS/RIBA Awards shortlist announced

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced an 18 strong shortlist for its 2020 awards. Four Edinburgh buildings made the final cut.

The shortlist for Scotland comprises the following buildings (listed alphabetically):

Aberdeen Art Gallery (contract value not for publication)
Hoskins Architects for Aberdeen City Council

Altarf, Isle of Skye (contract value not for publication)
Ann Nisbet Studio for a private client

An Cala, Sutherland (contract value not for publication)
Mary Arnold-Forster Architects for a private client

Bayes Centre, Edinburgh (contract value not for publication)
Bennetts Associates for University of Edinburgh

Bertha Park High School, Perth (£29m)
NORR Consultants Limited for Perth & Kinross Council

Dunira Street Housing, Glasgow (£8.38m)
Elder & Cannon Architects for Tollcross Housing Association

Edinburgh Printmakers (contract value not for publication)
Page\Park Architects for Edinburgh Printmakers

The Egg Shed, Argyll and Bute (contract value not for publication)
Oliver Chapman Architects for Scottish Canals

Faithlie Centre, Aberdeenshire (£2.5m)
Moxon Architects Ltd with Alan S Marshall Conservation Architect for Aberdeenshire Council

Global Research Innovation and Discovery (GRID) (£12m)
Sheppard Robson Architects for Heriot-Watt University

The Hill House Box, Helensburgh (£3.2m)
Carmody Groarke for National Trust for Scotland

King’s Stables Road, Mixed-Use Development, Edinburgh (c.£40m)
Fletcher Joseph Associates for Peveril Securities and Campus DM

Kyle House, Sutherland (contract value not for publication)
Groves-Raines Architects Studios Ltd for a private client

Maidenhill Primary School & Nursery, East Renfrewshire (contract value not for publication)
BDP for East Renfrewshire Council

Maryhill Locks, Glasgow (£4.76m)
jmarchitects for Bigg Regeneration Limited

The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, Glasgow (£21m)
Ryder Architecture for The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice

sportscotland National Sports Training Centre, Inverclyde (£11m)
Reiach and Hall Architects for sportscotland

Watt Institution, Greenock (£1.8m)
Collective Architecture for Inverclyde Council

Judging will take place at the end of March with the RIAS Awards winners announced at a dinner at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh on 28th May. The RIBA National Awards will be announced later in the year.

Reflecting on this year’s submissions and the climate challenges for Scottish architecture, Chair of the RIAS Awards judging panel Jenny Jones commented: “Given that these projects would have been commissioned at the very least, several years ago, there are some very strong carbon-conscious submissions which demonstrate an attention to the challenges we all face.

The greater shift will become evident in the next years if we continue to challenge and create innovative responses as to how we can “build” with environmental consciousness.”

The judging panel for this year is Jenny Jones, Founding Director and Architect at Studio Jenny Jones (Chair), Tony Chapman, former head of Awards at RIBA and freelance architecture critic (representing the Royal Institute of British Architects), Brian McGinlay, Founding Director and Architect at McGinlay Bell and Ann Allen, Chair of Architecture & Design Scotland.

Nick Ribbons, Sector Manager – Construction at Zero Waste Scotland, Joann Russell, Head of Estates Conservation Directorate at Historic Environment Scotland and Steven Robb, Deputy Head of Casework, Heritage Directorate at Historic Environment Scotland were also involved in the shortlisting discussions.

ARMED at the double

An innovative wearable technology solution has been awarded at two prestigious ceremonies for its ability to support independent living for older people.

Proudly developed in Scotland, ARMED, part of HAS Technology, scooped the two awards thanks to its proven success rate and quick expansion, leading to the creation of new jobs while also demonstrating how artificial intelligence can revolutionise preventative care.

The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards commend and celebrate the local and global impacts achieved through research and development partnerships between businesses, universities and research institutes.

Advanced Risk Modelling for Early Detection (ARMED) won the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award thanks to its impactful and long-lasting collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University and Scotland’s Digital and Health Institute (DHI).

The unique ceremony showcases the talent and expertise that leads to sustainable and inclusive economic growth and job creation.

ARMED has also been recognised at the Digital Health and Care Awards (DHCA), a ceremony that celebrates excellence and innovation in Scotland’s quickly expanding health and social care sector.

At the event, ARMED was awarded the Independent Living Award, an accolade that celebrates the teams who are changing culture through innovative technology that enables individuals to live more independently.

This award was led through the partnership with the Scottish Government’s Innovation Centre; the Digital Health & Care Institute (DHI).

With the telecare model not progressing over the past 10 years, the DHCA praised ARMED for developing a solution that doesn’t react but instead demonstrates that it’s possible to deliver preventative services using low-cost technology to support independent living.

Brian Brown, Director of ARMED at HAS Technology Group, said: “We‘re thrilled to be the recipients of not just one, but two awards. These award wins are testament to the dedication and belief of our team, who are passionate about digital transformation.

“We are always striving to improve the lives of those receiving care and support, increase independence and prevent health issues before they arise, alongside offering the sector a cost efficient and transformative solution.”

The accolades are set to continue for ARMED as they are also finalists in the Tomorrow’s Care Awards. People are encouraged to vote for ARMED’s wearable technology by visiting the website and clicking ‘Tomorrow’s Care Awards’.

ARMED was developed with support from Edinburgh Napier University and Scotland’s Digital Health and Care Institute (DHI), as well as being in the 1% of companies chosen to be a Microsoft partner.

A number of Scottish Councils have been instrumental with initially testing the technology and it was recently piloted with Scotland’s Loreburn Housing Association. The project saw successful results in just six months, with zero falls reported with the case study group.

To find out more about ARMED technology, visit https://www.armedprevention.co.uk/

Pennywell up for RICS Social Impact Award

RICS publishes shortlist of developments which are transforming the everyday lives of residents
35 schemes across nine award categories have been nominated from Shetland to Dumfries
Winners to be announced in April

RICS (Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors) in Scotland are set to vote on a shortlist 35 construction projects to mark their role in transforming communities and the everyday lives of people.

Published this week, the shortlisted construction schemes include ELEVEN from Edinburgh, including Pennywell Phase 2 (residential), Edinburgh Printmakers (heritage, leisure), King’s Stables Road (commercial) (above) and Ciaran’s House, CLIC Sargent Home from Home (healthcare).

Announcing its support for the Prince’s Trust to help more young people take up careers in property, the awards mark the impact of construction on communities across the country – with voting to take place ahead of the RICS Scotland ceremony on 23 April.

A UK grand final will be held later in September for those successfully nominated from each region – with property expert David Brooks Wilson leading a panel of guest judges to select those projects worthy of the top award.

Matthew Howell, RICS UK Managing Director, said: “The real estate industry plays a vital role in Scotland, and our refreshed awards celebrates the positive impact that our professionals can have on people’s lives and the best of what is built.

“This year’s shortlist features some of the best talent in our profession, and the new Social Impact Awards recognises the significant value these projects have brought to the communities around them. The judges will have their work cut out deciding on who gets the top award with so many top projects involved.

“I’m also delighted to be supporting The Prince’s Trust in getting young people into construction. Our shortlists, showcase projects which have been turning people’s lives around, whether that’s through apprenticeships for young people, rehabilitating ex-offenders or regenerating towns and cities to make them more inclusive, and we hope that promoting these will encourage more talent into a profession that can really make a difference.”

Chair of the award judging panel David Brooks Wilson said: “The real estate sector is an important part of the economy, and this year’s shortlist shows the power of built environment professionals to make a positive impact on society and our communities.

“It features the breadth of work and contributions that our professionals and wider industry make and the difference this profession can make.”

The awards are divided into nine award categories to include the best examples of development in the commercial, education, healthcare, heritage, infrastructure, land & rural, leisure, residential and student accommodation sectors – with an overall winner also due to be announced.

RICS Social Impact Awards – Scotland Shortlist 2020

Project Region Categories

4 North                                                Edinburgh                                Commercial
Aberdeen Art Gallery                          Aberdeen                                Heritage
Baird’s Close Two                               Edinburgh                                Student Accommodation
Bertha Park High School: A new
school for a new community               Perth                                       Education
Ciaran’s House – CLIC Sargent
Home from Home                               Edinburgh                                Healthcare
Collective, Caltonhill                           Edinburgh                                Leisure
Cunningham House                            Glasgow                                  Residential
Cupar Burgh Chambers                     Cupar                                      Heritage
Dundee Regional Performance
Centre for Sport                                  Dundee                                   Leisure
Edinburgh Printmakers                       Edinburgh                                Heritage, Leisure
Gairloch Museum                                Gairloch                                   Heritage, Leisure
Glenrothes Energy Network               Glenrothes                              Infrastructure
INTO Academic Centre                      Stirling                                     Education
Kelvinside Academy                           Glasgow                                  Education
Kirn Primary School                            Dunoon                                   Education
King’s Stables Road                           Edinburgh                                Commercial
Mixed-Use Development
National Centre for Children’s Literature
and Storytelling at Moat Brae             Dumfries                                  Heritage, Leisure
North Sighthill Regeneration              Edinburgh                                Residential
NGHA Offices                                     Glasgow                                  Commercial
Ochiltree Community Hub                  Ochiltree                                  Leisure
Panmure House – The Home
of Adam Smith                                    Edinburgh                                Heritage
Pennywell Phase 2                             Edinburgh                                Residential
Perth Transport Futures Project:
Phase 1 Crieff Road                           Perth                                       Infrastructure
Pittodrie Street Student Accommodation:
Getting it right for student living          Aberdeen                                Student Accommodation
Powell Hall & Whitehorn Hall             St Andrews                             Student Accomodaton
Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice Glasgow                                  Healthcare
Robroyston Railway Station               Glasgow                                  Infrastructure
Shawbridge Street                              Glasgow                                  Residential
TECA-creating a world-class
events and leisure complex                Aberdeen                                Commercial, Leisure
The Balfour                                         Orkney                                    Healthcare
The Fraser Centre                              Tranent                                    Leisure
The GRID Building                              Edinburgh                                Education
The Registers                                     Edinburgh                                Commercial
University of Glasgow Campus
Development                                       Glasgow                                  Education
Woodside Health and Care Centre    Glasgow                                  Healthcare

Five star status for Jim Clark Museum

As the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns, Scottish Borders, opened to the public for the new season yesterday, the partners who collaborated on the project are celebrating 5-Star status awarded by VisitScotland.

The museum opened to the public on 11 July 2019 following a £1.6 million partnership project – the museum welcomed 13,000 visitors in its first six months as well as securing its first award, notably from the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards.

The new museum was visited and assessed by VisitScotland Quality Tourism Advisors and was awarded the prestigious 5-Star Museum grading – the first museum in the Scottish Borders to receive this accolade and one of only nine 5-Star visitor attractions in the region.

Developed and improved for over 30 years, VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme is delivered by a dedicated team of experts who offer valuable business advice and support.

The scheme is not just about driving standards; it aims to help businesses reach their full potential so they can reap the benefits and secure their success. That in turn delivers benefits for the economy of their region and for Scotland’s tourism industry.

For the start of the season, the museum is hosting a new exhibition, Clark on Canvas. This evocative exhibition of artworks depicts 1960s motor racing, when Jim Clark was the dominant driver.

The artwork has been loaned to the museum by the Guild of Motoring Artists, an international group dedicated to automotive art. Visitors will be able to purchase paintings from the exhibition, which runs to 30 November 2020.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive Officer for charity Live Borders who operate the museum, said: “As operators of museums, galleries and attractions across the Scottish Borders, it was an honour to have a team working on this project – to secure 5-Star status from VisitScotland reinforces the quality of the team, their creative vision and focus on customer experience.

“Thank you and well done to everyone who has worked with us to secure this brilliant accolade.

“Positive cultural exhibitions and celebrating our local heritage is very much in line with Live Borders’ commitment to communities across the Borders being healthier, happier and stronger.”

VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, Paula Ward, said: “Congratulations to the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum on this fantastic achievement.

“The 5-Star award recognises the exceptional customer service experience for visitors to the museum and is a great addition to the quality offering in the Scottish Borders.

“Delivering a quality experience that meets, and exceeds, visitor expectations is crucial in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination and the re-opening of the museum has been a huge success, helping to propel the Scottish Borders into the spotlight.

“Our Quality Assurance scheme helps businesses to reach their full potential and truly shine. The scheme is about more than just the ‘stars’ on the door – it’s about the entire visitor experience, about investing in your business, driving-up quality and creating jobs.”

Councillor Euan Jardine, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Sport, said: “The 5-Star award is fantastic recognition for everyone that has played a part in making this museum a reality and delivered the highest quality visitor experience since it opened.

“This is an incredible museum which truly does justice to one of the world’s greatest sportsmen and I am sure many more visitors will enjoy all it has to offer in its first full season.”

Douglas Bell, from The Jim Clark Trust, said: “We are delighted with the new VisitScotland Award and congratulations all the partners and supporters involved. It really is a very special museum.

“The design and display of memorabilia, trophies, film, imagery and race cars are a wonderful tribute to Jim Clark. The staff are warm, welcoming and insightful. Jim was a farmer at heart and now recognised as one of the greatest motor racing drivers of all time. We look forward to welcoming visitors to learn more about his remarkable story to inspire future generations.”

Coinciding with the opening of the museum for the spring and summer tourism season, a new Jim Clark Trail has been announced to enhance the experience of visitors.

The Jim Clark Trail is a 50-mile scenic driving tour celebrating the beauty of the Scottish Borders, the heritage of motorsport and wider culture attractions in the area. The museum has fast become a magnet for classic and sports car enthusiasts.

The new trail is a driving adventure for all visitors to discover the stories and places behind the famous Berwickshire farmer whilst promoting tourism ‘pit stops’ in the region.

Follow the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum on social media #JimClarkMotorsportMuseum @liveborders @JimClarkTrust @scotborders