Category Description/ Scope of Entries

Town of the Year

The Town of the Year Award recognises a town that demonstrates a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place. Applications should demonstrate alignment with the Town Centre First Principle and the Place Principle.

Judges will be looking for towns that can demonstrate leadership, collaboration and tangible progress in strengthening their local economy and community. Entries may highlight multiple initiatives which together demonstrate positive change within the town.

Examples may include:

• Regeneration initiatives

• Town centre investment

• Community and stakeholder engagement, partnership working

• Improvements to local economic activity

• Actions supporting climate resilience and sustainability

• Programmes supporting town centre living

• Supporting places where people can visit, work, live and invest in.

 

Innovation in Place Award

The Innovation in Place Award recognises a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood.

This award celebrates the practical work happening on the ground, from regeneration and town centre initiatives to community-led activity, cultural programmes, business initiatives and environmental improvements.

Entries should focus on a clearly defined project or intervention, rather than a whole-town approach. Projects may be led by local authorities, community organisations, improvement districts, businesses or partnerships, and should demonstrate tangible outcomes and positive change for the local area.

Projects may draw on a wide range of approaches, including activity across arts and culture, buildings and property, clean and green initiatives, enterprise and business, and streets and spaces.

Entries may include:

• Repurposing vacant buildings or spaces
• Town centre regeneration or public realm improvements
• Markets, events or footfall-driving initiatives
• Cultural or heritage projects
• Climate or sustainability projects
• Digital innovation supporting local economies
• Community-led regeneration activity
• Pilot projects or meanwhile-use initiatives

 

High Street Hero

The High Street Hero Award celebrates individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond to support and strengthen their local town centre, high street or neighbourhood economy.

This award recognises the everyday champions of Scotland’s towns - the people and organisations who make a meaningful difference through their dedication, but also through the leadership, initiative and drive they bring to improving their place.

Nominees may include individuals or organisations working in local authorities, businesses, community organisations, improvement districts, development trusts or other place-based partnerships.

Judges will look for those who have:

 

• Led or championed initiatives that support town centre or high street activity or supported their local communuity,
• Demonstrated commitment to their place through sustained action or response to local challenges,
• Supported local businesses, economic activity or community use of town centre spaces,
• Brought others together to deliver positive change,
• Acted as a visible advocate or catalyst for their town centre or local area,
• This may include a specific initiative or act, or ongoing contribution and dedication to their community and local economy.

Eight High Street Hero awards will be presented across the Scottish Parliament electoral regions: Central Scotland and Lothians West, Edinburgh and Lothians East, Glasgow, Highlands and Islands, Mid Scotland and Fife, North East Scotland, South Scotland, West Scotland. Find your region here: https://boundaries.scot/

Entry / Judging Criteria

Entries will be assessed by an independent panel appointed by Scotland’s Towns Partnership. Judges will consider the following criteria, with emphasis placed depending on the category.

 
1. Impact

   Evidence of positive outcomes for the town centre, high street or local economy. This may include increased footfall, business activity, community engagement, investment or environmental improvements.

2. Contribution to Place

   The extent to which the entry supports a vibrant, resilient and sustainable town centre or neighbourhood, aligned with the Town Centre First and Place Principles.

3. Leadership and Initiative

   Evidence of leadership, initiative or proactive contribution - including championing ideas, driving activity or responding to local challenges.

4. Partnership and Collaboration

   Effective working with partners, stakeholders or the wider community to deliver outcomes.

5. Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
   The potential for lasting impact, continuation or legacy beyond the initial activity.

Applicants can also include: 

• Any files to support the nomination (image upload or media cuttings)
• Any links to support the nomination (online articles, images or videos) 
• Contact information.

Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for clarification or additional information.

Award Conditions

1. A panel of judges appointed by Scotland’s Towns Partnership will shortlist entries and decide the final winner. 
2. Judges reserve the right to make commendations in each category as they see fit. 
3. The decision of the judges is final. 
4. The award winner will be expected to take part in publicity, including in mainstream and social media.
5. Entries may also be made publicly viewable by Scotland’s Towns Partnership as examples of ‘best practice’. 
6. Entrants’ personal or contact information will be treated in line with Scotland’s Towns Partnership’s privacy policy and GDPR regulations.
   
   

Awards Timeline 

• Applications Open: Monday 11th May
• Applications Close: Friday 14th August
• Shortlist Announced: Mid September
• Winners Announced: Friday 23rd October