The winners of the 2019 SURF Awards have been revealed
Projects from throughout Scotland that fuel community regeneration have been praised.
The winners of the 2019 SURF Awards for best practice in community regeneration were announced on Thursday (5 December) at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel.
Representatives of the five category winning initiatives for 2019 were personally congratulated on their inspiring work by the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Communities, Aileen Campbell MSP.
Ochiltree Community Hub won the Community Led Regeneration Award, whilst WHALE Arts picked up the Creative Regeneration Award. Glenurquhart Care Project was recognised in the Housing and Regeneration category, whilst Achieving the Right Transferable Skills for Today’s Job Market was selected for its commitment in Supporting Youth Employability. Calton Barras was named as Scotland’s Most Improved Place.
The five winning projects all demonstrated the value of a long-term approach to regeneration, with dedicated partners working strategically and inclusively to develop comprehensive plans and deliver real and sustainable benefits for all.
Kate Wimpress, chair of SURF, said: “The 21st year of the SURF Awards demonstrates ably, once again, the skill of communities from across Scotland to work together to address local need.
“Our panel of independent judges travelled the length and breadth of the country meeting with enthusiasm, integrity and innovation across location, scale and activity. Despite the many challenges facing our communities the SURF Awards show, when the right resources and support is in place, people can achieve remarkable things.”
Campbell said: “These awards are a great platform for recognising and showcasing successful community regeneration. With each passing year the exceptional standard of applications and shortlisted projects is even higher. This year’s shortlist demonstrates what is possible when communities are empowered to work hard, meet challenges and develop projects to shape their own futures.”
The SURF Awards Presentation Dinner was attended by 290 guests from a wide range of public, private, and third sector organisations. The evening concluded with an after dinner speech from renowned actor and director David Hayman, who spoke about his humanitarian organisation, Spirit Aid, which he founded to support children whose lives have been devastated by war, poverty, disease or lack of education and opportunity.
