Nominations open for Scotland Loves Local Awards to recognise those whose dedication and innovation is making life better and shaping a stronger future
People in Edinburgh and across the Lothians are being urged to celebrate the remarkable work to make the region a better place to live in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Nominations have opened for the 2023 Scotland Loves Local Awards, which will see heroics on the high street rewarded, along with responses to the climate crisis.
Artistic flair, work to create new town centre homes, encourage enterprise, make streets more attractive and digital innovation will also be recognised.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards celebrate all that’s great about local towns and neighbourhoods and tireless work taking place to secure a stronger future in them.
Among the winners last year was SOLE (Supporting Our Local Community) which took the Digital Towns category.
Led by social enterprise Scottish Tech Army, the place-based app and website had provided a platform for local businesses to trade online, supporting enterprises in Dunbar and East Linton, Fa’side, Haddington, Musselburgh, North Berwick and Preston/Seton/Gosford.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Interim Chief Officer, said: “In many ways, the challenges facing our communities have never been greater as we face up to the climate emergency, cost of living and the legacy of coronavirus.
“But many people and organisations in Edinburgh and across the Lothians are stepping up to those challenges. In so many ways, this has brought out the best in our people and places.
“It’s unleashed a desire to make a difference, to create a new future – one which has localism at its heart, with better places in which to live and work.
“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on all of this and so much more.
“To do that, we need you to tell us about the inspiring people and projects whose dedication and innovation is making a real difference in your community.”
The award categories are:
- High Street Hero (an individual or organisation making an exceptional difference in their community)
- Place Leader Award
- Climate and Netzero
- Creative Town
- Streets and Spaces
- Digital Town
- Town Centre Living
- Enterprising Community
Spearheaded by Scottish Towns Partnership 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 third year in which the awards have been held.
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 Monday, September 4th 2023. Winners will be announced at a celebration being held in November.