The Capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for the 2022 award now open.
Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city and brought our Capital to national and international attention.
Previous recipients include bestselling authors, ground-breaking scientists and exemplary sportspeople. The recipient of the last award in 2021 was Fergus Linehan, for his contribution to the arts and Edinburgh’s cultural heritage as Director of the Edinburgh International Festival.
The Edinburgh Award allows its citizens to recognise those individuals who have made a real and lasting impact on the city.
Edinburgh has three weeks to submit nominations for the 2022 award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.
Calling on individuals and businesses to nominate someone for the Award, the Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge said: “Edinburgh continues to be a leading light in many fields, both nationally and internationally, and this is down to the character and achievement of our citizens.
“The Edinburgh Award represents an opportunity to celebrate the people who make Edinburgh the fantastic city we see today. By nominating someone you can help us showcase these people and give them the recognition and praise they deserve.
“The past two years has been one of the most difficult and unprecedented periods in the history of our great city, yet I am inspired by the ways in which the citizens of Edinburgh have calmly persevered and cared for one another. This speaks to the very heart of our Capital city and is a source of huge personal pride. If this reminds you of someone, I urge you to put forward a nomination.
“Now in our 16th year of the Edinburgh Award, we need the help of our communities, citizens and businesses to come together and find a worthy recipient.”
Fields in Trust – the independent charity that has been protecting parks and green spaces for almost 100 years – has announced that its search for the UK’s Favourite Parks is back this summer and is calling upon the residents of Edinburgh to get nominating now!
The popular campaign has returned for the first time since 2019 and covers the length and breadth of the nation to shine a light on the green spaces that hold a special place in our hearts.
Having acted as refuge to many over the past few years, Fields in Trust is bringing back the campaign to find the UK’s Favourite Parks to ensure that they continue to be celebrated in a post-pandemic world.
The charity recently commissioned a study which found that almost half of us have visited local parks more often than we used to as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Coupled with research that has shown that access to nature was one of the main ways people have supported their mental health during lockdowns, Fields in Trust is determined that this year’s campaign celebrates the spaces that gave us so much in our time of need.
This year’s UK’s Favourite Parks campaign is made all-the-more important in light of the Fields in Trust’s recently released annual Green Space Index report.
The study – which analyses the provision and distribution of parks and green spaces in the UK – found that 2.8 million people live more than ten minutes’ walk away from a green space.
With only 6% of green space legally protected in Great Britain, Fields in Trust worries that this will only worsen in coming years if we do not appreciate and advocate for our local parks.
Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, Helen Griffiths, said: “There is no doubt that the importance of green spaces has been acutely felt recently, with people increasingly turning to their local parks to find a sense of tranquillity, space, and belonging since the pandemic began.
“When restrictions were at their highest, many sought refuge in their daily walk around the park; and when restrictions lifted to allow outdoor gatherings, the same parks became the backdrop for reunions with loved ones and new memories made.
“At a time when things were so hard for so many, these places provided respite; now, through our UK’s Favourite Parks campaign, we want to give people the chance to show their appreciation for the green spaces that were there for them.”
The search for the UK’s Favourite Parks starts today, meaning you can nominate your local green space now. Nominations are open until Tuesday 5 July, before the chosen parks go head-to-head in a public vote.
Regional spots to have made the UK’s Favourite Parks list in previous years include Figgate Park, Pittencrieff Park and Wilton Lodge Park in Hawick, and this year, the Fields in Trust team hopes to unearth even more green spaces that are close to Scotland’s hearts.
“We are thrilled to be on the search once again for the UK’s Favourite Parks and we have no doubt that we’ll find some absolute gems along the way. We can’t wait to see the places that get put forward in Scotland.
“Whether it’s the park you head for when the sun is shining; your favourite place to walk the dog; the place you go to stretch your legs; or your family’s favourite spot to spend quality time together: we want you to nominate your favourite today!”
Nominations open today (Tuesday 15 March) for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Local Government Election.
The Election will take place on Thursday, 5 May, when people living across Edinburgh will elect members to the City of Edinburgh Council.
The Notice of Election was published yesterday for Edinburgh’s 17 wards where three or four councillors will be elected in each ward to represent residents.
In 2017, 63 councillors were elected to represent the City of Edinburgh Council, with a 50.5% turnout for the city – up from 42.6% in 2012.
In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, by 4pm on Wednesday 30 March.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF A POLITICAL PARTY TO STAND FOR ELECTION !!
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period. The forthcoming election will enable the city’s residents to have their say, and I would take this opportunity to urge all citizens to make sure they are registered and use their vote.
“There are a range of options for casting ballots – in person, by post or by appointing someone trusted to vote in your place, known as a proxy.
“The local councillors elected make important decisions on provision of public services, including education, social care, waste management, libraries, planning and much more on behalf of Edinburgh residents.
“Preparations are well underway to ensure a successful election with plans for any additional restrictions required due to the ongoing pandemic. We’re keen to continue the enthusiasm demonstrated by voters during last year’s Scottish Parliament Election when we had the same range of safety measures in place.”
VOLUNTEER Edinburghare delighted to announce that we have opened the nominations for this years Inspiring Volunteer Awards 2022.
As always, every volunteer who is nominated will receive a certificate, and we will welcome a number of specially selected volunteers to an event hosted by Edinburgh’s Rt Hon Lord Provost at the City Chambers.
This event is being held during Volunteers’ Week (1 to 7 June), and this year the date for the ceremony will be on Wednesday 1 June.
Thanks again for your support in recognising the fantastic achievements of all our amazing volunteers in Edinburgh. These last two years we have seen and have a better understanding of the power of the volunteer.
Is there an individual or a group within your organisation that deserves an Inspiring Volunteer Award? Why not consider nominating them. We want to recognise and celebrate as many volunteers as possible!
Closing date for nominations is 1st April 2022 so don’t delay and nominate today!
For more information please follow the link below to Volunteer Edinburgh website where you can find nomination guidelines and additional info for each type of award.
Please help us to promote the awards nominations using the short url:
National charity Living Streets is asking people to nominate local groups or individuals who have gone the extra mile to improve their community for walking and wheeling this year.
Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is looking for inpiring entrants for the Charles Maher Award – Walking Champion 2022.
The award was set up in honour of Charles Maher, a campaigner and longstanding supporter of Living Streets – formerly the Pedestrians Association – and recognises an individual, group or organisation who has helped achieve a better environment for pedestrians.
Stephen Edwards, Interim Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “Local people doing extraordinary things to improve the places where they live deserve to be celebrated.
“By helping to make our streets safer and more attractive, many people and organisations have ensured we have stayed active, healthy and connected to our communities. This award is a chance to recognise their work and say thank you.
“Whether you know a parent who has helped make walking to school safer for local families, an organisation that’s fighting for safer streets for wheelchair users or an individual whose dedication and tenacity has led to street improvements, we want to hear about them.”
Individuals, local groups, organisations or local authorities can self-nominate themselves or others for the Living Streets Charles Maher Award.
The deadline for nominations is midnight on 16 February 2022.
Living Streets members will then select the top nominee by vote, with the winner invited to collect their award during Living Streets’ National Walking Summit on 22 March 2022.
The nomination form is on the Living Streets website:
Cat lovers across the UK are being invited to nominate their furry friends for the biggest event in the feline year – the National Cat Awards.
Run by the charity Cats Protection, the annual event celebrates the nation’s most marvellous moggies, with heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and companionship.
This year’s event also features a new Cat Colleagues category to honour the feline heroes who have helped their owners adjust to working from home, or have made going to work a little easier during the pandemic.
Entries open today – Tuesday 11 January – and owners have until noon on Thursday 10 March to nominate their cat in one of four categories:
Cat Colleagues – Cats who bring joy to the workplace or make working from home a pleasure
Most Caring Cat – Cats that positively impact a person’s health or wellbeing
Furr-ever Friends – Tales of friendship between children and cats
Outstanding Rescue Cat – Fabulous felines adopted from animal charities
Helping to launch the awards, cat lover and BBC weather presenter Owain Wyn Evans said: “I’m a big fan of cats, not just because they’re such amazing animals, but also because of the incredibly positive impact they can have on people’s lives.
“It’s such an honour to be helping launch the National Cat Awards, and I really hope this national celebration of our feline friends will inspire more people to welcome a cat into their lives.”
Cats Protection’s Awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “Over the past two years, the UK’s pet cats have played an even more important role in our lives – whether it’s keeping the kids’ company during home schooling, being a companion for people living alone in lockdown or simply being there during times of uncertainty.
“From chilled out cats that provide comfort and support, to the mischievous moggies that make us smile, cats undoubtedly have a special place in the hearts and homes of millions of people. We’re thrilled to once again be hosting our National Cat Awards and are looking forward to sharing many wonderful stories of moggy marvelousness!
“We hope that by celebrating some of the UK’s most incredible cats we’ll inspire more people to consider adopting a cat in 2022.”
Winners will be selected by a panel of celebrity cat lovers before being announced at a star-studded ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel on 4 August 2022.
The winner of the National Cat of the Year will inherit the title from Minty, a three-legged moggy from Holywell, Wales, who helped six-year-old Connor Raven cope with severe learning difficulties and medical conditions.
To nominate your cat, or for further information about the Awards, log on to www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards from today – Tuesday 11 January.
To find out more about adopting a cat from Cats Protection, visit:
The premier awards for forests and woods in Scotland are back for 2022 after a highly successful 2021 saw winners ranging from a tiny nursery school to the country’s largest landowner.
Scotland’s ‘Tree Oscars’ are back for 2022 after a highly successful programme in 2021 saw worthy winners ranging from the country’s largest landowner Anders Holch Povlsen to a tiny nursery school.
Mr Povlsen and Wildland Ltd won the prize for New Native Woods in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2021, for Killiehuntly in the Cairngorms – while Perth Outdoor Playgroup won the award for an early years education provider instilling a love of woods in young children.
The 2022 Awards will see a renewed focus on climate change after forestry and wood played a central part in discussions at COP26. The first Climate Change Champion prize was handed out at the 2021 Awards, with Ayrshire estate owner Andrew Sinclair honoured for his work at Balbeg.
“The award was handed out just two months before COP26, where we saw the signing of a Leaders’ Declaration on Forestry and Land Use, and the launch of the Time for Timber global wood use manifesto,” said Angela Douglas, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods.
“The world is increasingly understanding that trees and wood are vital to tackling climate change and I’m so delighted that our Climate Change Champion Award is back.”
With 80% of the UK’s new woodland currently being planted in Scotland, and continued Scottish Government support for ambitious tree planting targets, organisers hope for another exceptional set of winners in 2022.
“Anyone with a genuinely high-quality project has a chance to win an award, whether that’s Scotland’s largest landowner or a small nursery school, or a farmer discovering the benefits of trees to an experienced forester creating a model woodland,” said Angela Douglas.
The Scottish Government showed its support for the awards last year, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing the Schools and Early Years Awards and Environment Minister Máiri McAllan – whose brief covers forestry – revealing the Community Woodlands winners.
Ms McAllan said: “I was delighted to be involved in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards for the first time in 2021, and to celebrate an amazing collection of winners.
“The addition of the Climate Change Champion and Early Years Awards in 2021 illustrated the importance of woodland in supporting Scotland’s world-leading climate change ambitions – and engaging young people in trees and woods at a young age.
“All the winners were clearly passionate about high-quality woodlands, and I look forward to another year of exceptional entries to celebrate this new golden era of forestry in Scotland.”
The Climate Change Champion Award, sponsored by Carbon Store, is chosen by judges. Category entrants, including schools or nurseries, can choose to enter this award alone or enter more than one award category.
The Climate Change Champion Award has been developed in partnership with Forest Research, who will again provide expert judges in 2022.
Professor Chris Quine, Chief Scientist at Forest Research, led the team assessing the entries, and said the 2021 winner – Balbeg Estate’s Bennan Hill – “demonstrated an integrated approach to tackling climate change throughout its activities with actions relating to mitigation, adaptation and knowledge exchange” and “a strong commitment and a real consistency of vision”.
All the other popular categories return in the long-running Awards, which were held online in 2021 after a 2020 Covid-cancellation.
“We hope to return to a live event at our traditional venue, the Royal Highland Show, as it celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2022,” said Guy Watt, Chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods, the charity which operates the programme. “However, we need to keep our options open and that means planning for a possible hybrid, or entirely online, event, if circumstances dictate.”
Regular Award categories return, including the ever-popular Crown Estate Scotland Schools Award, won by Pitlochry High School in 2021. The Quality Timber Awards return too, with three different categories: new commercial wood, multi-purpose forest or whole estate, and a single stand/compartment or small wood.
The two Farm Woodland Awards are back – the Scottish Woodlands Ltd Trophy for Young People won in 2021 by Nikki and James Yoxall of Howemill near Huntly, Aberdeenshire, and the SAC Consulting-sponsored award for any farm woodland, won in 2021 by Wendy Seel and Anne Taylor, who run an organic vegetable business at Midmar, Aberdeenshire
Entries must be submitted by 31st March 2022.
For full details, criteria and entry forms. see: www.sfwa.co.uk
The search has begun for the next recipient of the Edinburgh Award as nominations are now open.
Established in 2007, the Edinburgh Award is a way for the Capital’s citizens to pay a lasting tribute to outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh.
Recent recipients include philanthropists Sir Tom Farmer and Tom Gilzean and rugby legend Doddie Weir – each of whom has a cast of their handprints imprinted in flagstones in front of the City Chambers.
2020’s recipient – world-famous city author Alexander McCall – became the 14th person to receive the Edinburgh Award, in recognition and celebration of his bestselling writing and legal career, and academic work.
Communities, businesses and individuals across Edinburgh have three weeks to cast nominations for the 2021 award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.
Urging citizens and businesses to nominate someone for the Award, the Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “Edinburgh may be a small city, but it is well known for punching well above its weight on the world stage thanks to the talents and achievements of our fellow citizens.
“The Edinburgh Award is your chance to celebrate those people who make Edinburgh such an inspiring place. Please help us celebrate the people of Edinburgh’s achievements by proposing a nominee.
“We continue to see outstanding commitment and care demonstrated by the people of Edinburgh. Throughout the pandemic there has been a huge community effort made by individuals and organisations to tackle the impacts of coronavirus. People continue to go above and beyond to help their fellow citizens and to help the city recover. I’m hoping to see many recognised in this year’s nominations.
“The Edinburgh Award has been presented to many truly outstanding recipients over the years, most recently Alexander McCall Smith. Nominees can come from all walks of life from culture and sport to literature and philanthropy. We need everyone’s help to tell us – who should be next? Who deserves to follow in their footsteps to become the 15th recipient?”
Nominations can be made online and must be received no later than noon on Friday 29 October 2021.
The winner will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup at a ceremony hosted by the Lord Provost and will have their hand prints reproduced on a flagstone in the City Chambers quadrangle.
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.”
Last year, for obvious reasons and to our great disappointment, we were not able to host our annual Inspiring Volunteer Awards.
However, we are delighted to announce that this year we have planned a date of Wednesday 28th July for our ceremony to take place.
This event is normally held during Volunteers’ Week (1 to 7 June), however to maximise the chances of it being a live, in-person event, we have delayed it this year.
Plans for the evening are subject to any changes to restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic.
We are now opening nominations for 2021 and you can find more details on our dedicated webpage here: voled.in/nominations
Organisations can nominate by completing our online nomination form and are able to nominate up to three individual volunteers, one team of volunteers, up to three nominations for the Ian McInnes Award, and one nomination for the new Paul Bennett Volunteer Manager of the Year Award.
Please note that nominations close on Friday 4 June 2021.
Please share using the short url voled.in/nominations and help us to celebrate Edinburgh’s volunteers!
