Applications have officially opened for the 2025 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration, following a special online launch event attended by 60 guests.
The SURF Awards, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government, aim to celebrate and share the achievements of local initiatives working to tackle social, economic and physical challenges across communities in Scotland. This year marks the 27th year of the programme.
The launch event featured messages from past award winners, including St Paul’s Youth Forum, Govan HELP, Narture CIC, Hebridean Housing Partnership and WorkingRite, before formally opening applications for this year’s round.
Five thematic categories are featured in the 2025 Awards:
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Removing Barriers to Employability
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Creative Regeneration, sponsored by Creative Scotland
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Community Led Regeneration, sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise
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Improving Scotland’s Places, sponsored by Scotland’s Towns Partnership
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Housing and Regeneration, sponsored by the Scottish Procurement Alliance
The timeline for the 2025 SURF Awards is as follows:
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Thursday 5 June – Launch of applications
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Monday 1 September – Applications close
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Mid-September – Shortlisting by independent panel
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Late September–October – Project visits and assessments
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Thursday 4 December – Awards announced at celebratory dinner
Speaking at the launch, Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said:
“The SURF Awards is a valuable platform to recognise and celebrate outstanding examples of community-led regeneration across Scotland, showcasing projects which inspire others and demonstrate what is possible.”
SURF Chair Brian MacDonald added:
“The last year has been challenging, yet organisations continue to deliver vital services in their communities. We look forward to seeing this year’s entries, which will undoubtedly reflect the resilience and creativity of Scotland’s third sector.”
Emma Scott, SURF’s Events, Information and Communication Manager, said:
“SURF is delighted to open the Awards for the 27th year. We look forward to learning about the extraordinary work happening in communities across the country.”
More information and application materials are available at: https://surf.scot/surf-awards/surf-awards-2025/
