Tag: Councillors

Top councillors in Scotland recognised at annual Cllr Awards

The top councillors from across Scotland have been recognised at the 2025 LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards which took place last night at Glasgow’s City Chambers.

These are the only national awards dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary work of councillors in Scotland. No Edinburgh councillors received awards this year.

The 2025 winners are:

Read more about the winners here.

This year’s competition was extremely tight with nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors. From championing residents’ interests to leading innovation in public services, councillors play a crucial role in shaping communities and improving lives, dedicating their time and energy to what is often a voluntary, unpaid role.

Winners were chosen by a judging panel 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 partner CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “Councillors work tirelessly to support their communities and drive change.

“These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day. This year’s winners are a real testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across Scotland.”

Lee Jagger, Local Government Relationship Manager, CCLA said: “Councillors sit at the heart of our communities, and these awards are a chance to spotlight the meaningful, real-world difference they deliver every day.

“Their dedication improves lives in countless, practical ways. At a time when councils are navigating extraordinary pressures, the Cllr Awards are a powerful reminder of just how essential our councillors and councils are.”

2024 Cllr Awards: One week left to nominate a councillor

Nominations close for the 2024 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards at midnight on Friday 13th September. 

The Cllr Awards will once again shine a light on the achievements of local elected representatives who have made a tangible impact in their communities. 

Every year the LGIU receives hundreds of nominations – each acknowledging a councillor’s exceptional commitment to improving their community and achieving remarkable results over the past year. 

The Cllr Awards are the only national ceremony that celebrate the outstanding contributions of councillors across England, Wales and Scotland and nominations can be made by members of the public, friends and family, colleagues or residents.

Submitting a nomination is free and takes just eight minutes. Applicants must provide details about the nominated councillor, outlining why they deserve recognition and how their initiatives have positively impacted the community. 

The 2024 Cllr Awards has five categories: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. Shortlisted candidates will be announced in the autumn. 

Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday 20 November while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.

To submit a nomination or for more information, please visit the Cllr Awards website.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “Now is the time to shine a light on the incredible work of councillors across our communities.

“They are working tirelessly behind the scenes, day in and day out, to make positive contributions that impact our daily lives in so many important ways, from maintaining streets to funding community projects and shaping the character of our towns.

“Now, more than ever before, local communities rely on elected members and their work too often goes unnoticed and unrecognised, making the Cllr Awards essential in highlighting their invaluable work. 

“That is why we are proud to once again host the annual Cllr Awards, paying tribute to our locally elected representatives and sharing examples of the innovation and dedication of our councillors. 

“We anticipate a wave of nominations this year before the 13 September deadline and look forward to hearing the remarkable stories behind them. These awards are made possible through the generous support of our founding partners, CCLA.”

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS IN EDINBURGH: EDINBURGH TUC CONFERENCE

SATURDAY 14th SEPTEMBER from 10am – 1pm

at AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH, GEORGE IV BRIDGE

For further information contact:

EDINBURGH TUC – telephone 0773 491 2536

or email edinburghtradeunioncouncil@gmail.com

Nominations open for the 2024 Cllr Awards

Nominations open for the 2024 Cllr Awards

Do you know a councillor whose unwavering dedication deserves national recognition? Nominations are now open for the 2024 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards – the only ceremony that celebrates the outstanding contributions of councillors across England, Wales, and Scotland.

The Cllr Awards shine a light on the achievements of local elected representatives who have made a tangible impact in their communities. Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the illustrious Guildhall in London while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the esteemed City Chambers in Edinburgh this winter. 

The 2024 Cllr Awards feature five categories: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend.

Nominations are open to anyone – whether you’re a member of the public, a fellow councillor, or a council officer – who wishes to acknowledge a councillor’s exceptional commitment to improving their community and achieving remarkable results over the past year.

Submitting a nomination is free and takes just seven minutes. Applicants must provide details about the nominated councillor, outlining why they deserve recognition and how their initiatives have positively impacted the community.

Nominations close on Friday 13 September 2024, and the shortlisted candidates will be announced in the autumn.

Once again this year, the awards will also shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of councillors from around the world through the Global Local Cllr Showcase. This special presentation celebrates councillors worldwide whose projects, engagement, and representation have made a significant difference in the communities they serve.

For more information and to submit your nomination, please visit the official website.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “The LGIU is proud to once again host the annual Cllr Awards, paying tribute to our locally elected representatives and sharing examples of the innovation and dedication our councillors demonstrate day in day out.

“Local communities rely on councillors, whose positive contributions impact our daily lives in many ways, from maintaining streets to funding community projects, shaping the character of our towns.

“Often working tirelessly behind the scenes, elected members frequently go unnoticed by many, making the Cllr Awards essential in highlighting their invaluable work in 2024.

“We eagerly anticipate a wave of nominations this year and look forward to hearing the remarkable stories behind them. These awards are made possible through the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.”

Local councillors across Scotland awarded in annual showcase of the best of local government

NO EDINBURGH COUNCILLORS MAKE THE SHORTLIST

LGIU Scotland and CCLA were proud to unveil the winners of the 2023 Cllr Awards; the only national awards ceremony to celebrate the vital work of local councillors across Scotland.

At Edinburgh’s City Chambers, the top prize of the night, Leader of the Year, went to Cllr John Alexander of Dundee City Council.

Cllr Ruairi Kelly of Glasgow City Council walked away with the Community Champion prize and Cllr Heather Woodbridge of Orkney Islands Council claimed Resilience Champion.

Cllr Dan Hutchison, of Glasgow City Council, went home with Young Councillor of the Year while Cllr Helen Wright from Dundee City Council was awarded Lifetime Legend for her service.

Winners triumphed over nearly 100 nominations across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors. The Cllr Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally as their work can, all too often, go unrecognised. Read more about the winners here. 

The Cllr Awards judging panel was made up of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors across Scotland and are only made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland said: “In the face of unprecedented domestic and global challenges over the last year, councillors nationwide have once again exhibited unwavering dedication to serving their constituents.

“Tonight’s winners show the remarkable contributions local councillors make to their communities and we at LGIU Scotland are dedicated to celebrating these achievements that genuinely improve the lives of local residents. 

“As councils continue to deliver essential services like social care and housing amid a cost of living crisis, these awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally. I extend heartfelt congratulations to all the Cllr Awards winners this evening. We applaud you for your dedication.”

Minister for Local Government Empowerment, Joe FitzPatrick MSP said: “As someone who was previously a councillor, I recognise the important role councils play in delivering vital frontline services for our communities.

“Every councillor nominated for these awards exemplifies this spirit of public service and I congratulate them all.

It is crucial the Scottish Government works in partnership with local government to achieve the best possible outcomes for people. This approach, which is built on mutual trust and respect, is particularly important as we work to help people through the current cost crisis.”

GAZA CRISIS: An Open Letter from Edinburgh Councillors

EDINBURGH COUNCILLORS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE

We are horrified by the situation unfolding in Gaza, and are calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the blockade of Gaza to allow urgent and unconditional food, water, fuel and medical supplies to enter the area.

Under international law collective punishment is illegal, as is blockading food, medicine and fuel supplies to the civilian population, and we therefore recognise the actions of the Israeli Government to be war crimes.

We condemn the killing and hostage taking of Israeli civilians by Hamas; the ongoing
blockade of Gaza and occupation of the West Bank by Israel, deemed illegal by the United Nations; and the killing of Palestinians by the current Israeli blockade, bombardment, and ground offensive into Gaza.

We call for the immediate release of all hostages, and safe passage for Palestinians and others seeking to leave Gaza and the West Bank, with a commitment that they will be able to return.

We recognise Israel’s actions towards Palestine as apartheid, in line with human rights experts such as Amnesty International and call for an end to the occupation of Palestine.

We assert that all forms of racism, including anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our city and condemn any attacks on Palestinian, Jewish or Muslim people.

We welcome the demonstrations of support for an end to violence and freedom for
Palestinians which we have seen across the city, the UK and the world.

As councillors in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, we recognise the power our collective voices can have, and support calls for immediate action to secure a lasting and just peace for Palestinians and Israelis, with freedom and security for all, based on international law.

Signed:

Alys Mumford Scottish Green Party
Ben Parker Scottish Green Party
Susan Rae Scottish Green Party
Claire Miller Scottish Green Party
Alex Staniforth Scottish Green Party
Jule Bandel Scottish Green Party
Kayleigh O’Neill Scottish Green Party
Steve Burgess Scottish Green Party
Chas Booth Scottish Green Party
Dan Heap Scottish Green Party
Ross McKenzie Independent
Katrina Faccenda Scottish Labour
Margaret Graham Labour and Co-operative Party
Amy McNeese-Mechan Scottish National Party
Norman Work Scottish National Party
Lesley Macinnes Scottish National Part

Time’s running out to nominate your councillor for national award

Nominations close at midnight for the 2021 LGIU Scotland & CCLA Cllr Awards

Nominations close at midnight for the only national awards ceremony celebrating the vital work of individual councillors across Scotland.

Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA are proud to once again host the 4th annual Cllr Awards, honouring the achievements of councillors that so often go unrecognised. 

This year’s award categories celebrate the essential and varied work of councillors and include the coveted Community Champion, Leader of the Year and New Councillor of the Year awards, alongside a new Resilience and Recovery category for 2021.

Nominations can be made by anyone who would like to recognise a councillor doing outstanding work for their community. They close at midnight on Friday 24 September with the shortlist unveiled at the end of October. 

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. They will be revealed at this year’s ceremony taking place on Wednesday, 24 November. Due to the ongoing Covid related restrictions, it will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link ups to a Glasgow venue.

This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU Scotland, said: “Local government supports all of us, each and every day. On every street, in every town, up and down the country, it is the vital work of councillors that keeps things moving. 

“Now is the time for us to support our local heroes by nominating those councillors who have stepped up to the plate during extraordinary circumstances to deliver for their communities.

“We welcome contributions from any member of the public as well as other councillors, officers and leaders. We look forward to once again receiving the highest calibre of nominations and showcasing the essential work of councillors in November.”

Who is our best councillor?

Nominations now open for the 2021 LGIU Scotland & CCLA Councillor Awards

The only national awards ceremony celebrating the ‘vital’ work of individual councillors across Scotland opens its call for nominations.

Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA are proud to officially launch the 4th annual Cllr Awards, honouring the achievements of councillors that so often go unrecognised. 

This year’s award categories celebrate the essential and varied work of councillors and include the coveted Community Champion, Leader of the Year and New Councillor of the Year awards, alongside a new Resilience and Recovery category for 2021.

Nominations can be made by anyone who would like to recognise a councillor doing outstanding work for their community. They are open until Friday, 24 September with the shortlist unveiled at the end of October. 

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. They will be revealed at this year’s ceremony taking place on Wednesday, 24 November. Due to the ongoing Covid related restrictions, it will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link ups to a Glasgow venue.

This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU Scotland, said: “Local government supports all of us, each and every day. On every street, in every town, up and down the country, it is the vital work of councillors that keeps things moving. 

“Now is the time for us to support our local heroes by nominating those councillors who have stepped up to the plate during extraordinary circumstances to deliver for their communities.

“As we officially open nominations for Cllr Awards 2021, we welcome contributions from any member of the public as well as other councillors, officers and leaders. We look forward to once again receiving the highest calibre of nominations and showcasing the essential work of councillors in November.”

Nominations now open for Councillor Awards

  • Who is the best councillor in your area?
  • Nominations now open for the 2021 LGIU Scotland & CCLA Cllr Awards

The only national awards ceremony celebrating the vital work of individual councillors across Scotland has opened its call for nominations.

The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA are proud to officially launch the 4th annual Cllr Awards, honouring the achievements of councillors that so often go unrecognised.

This year’s award categories celebrate the essential and varied work of councillors and include the coveted Community Champion, Leader of the Year and New Councillor of the Year awards, alongside a new Resilience and Recovery category for 2021.

Nominations can be made by anyone who would like to recognise a councillor doing outstanding work for their community. They are open until Friday, 24 September with the shortlist unveiled at the end of October.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. They will be revealed at this year’s ceremony taking place on Wednesday, 24 November. Due to the ongoing Covid-related restrictions, it will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link ups to a Glasgow venue.

This year’s Awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU Scotland, said: “Local government supports all of us, each and every day. On every street, in every town, up and down the country, it is the vital work of councillors that keeps things moving.

“Now is the time for us to support our local heroes by nominating those councillors who have stepped up to the plate during extraordinary circumstances to deliver for their communities.

“As we officially open nominations for Cllr Awards 2021, we welcome contributions from any member of the public as well as other councillors, officers and leaders. We look forward to once again receiving the highest calibre of nominations and showcasing the essential work of councillors in November.”

Nominations open for councillor awards

The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA has opened nominations for the 2020 Cllr Awards. The Cllr Awards are the only national awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of individual councillors across Scotland. 

Since 2018, LGIU Scotland and CCLA have been honouring the hard work of councillors that so often goes unrecognised. The Award categories celebrate the varied work of councillors. New categories for 2020 include Covid-19 Hero and Collaborative Working alongside the coveted Champion for Education, Leader of the Year and New Councillor of the Year awards.

Nominations are now officially open until 18 September with the shortlist due to be unveiled in the middle of October. Nominations can be made by anyone who would like to recognise a councillor doing outstanding work for their community.

“The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. This year’s ceremony will take place at the end of November. Due to the ongoing health crisis, it will be held virtually with winners announced on the night.

This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU Scotland, said: “Now, more than ever, we need to honour the unsung heroes of local government who are working tirelessly to keep the country afloat during the pandemic. 

“This is why we are proud to once again open nominations for this year’s Cllr Awards. It has never been more important that we take the time to recognise the vital work of our councillors.

“We want to hear from as many members of the public, councillors and local leaders as possible about the individuals who are making a real difference in your communities.

“We are always overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of the nominations we receive each year. However, we know that this year’s Awards will shine a light on the highest calibre of nominations yet.”