SURF were delighted to be joined by over 280 guests to celebrate the 27th annual SURF Award programme.

Representatives of the five category-winning initiatives for 2025 were personally congratulated on their inspiring work by the Scottish Government’s deputy first minister, Kate Forbes.

The SURF Awards are delivered each year by SURF, a regeneration forum with over 300 cross-sector member organisations across Scotland, in partnership for 22 years with the Scottish Government.

The purpose is to highlight, celebrate and share the achievements of initiatives that address physical, social and economic challenges in communities across Scotland, which is particularly prevalent given the current financial climate.

SURF’s panel of 20 independent judges are drawn from national regeneration bodies and community groups. They carefully assessed all of the varied SURF Awards nominations in five thematic categories, visiting 15 different shortlisted initiatives from Dumfries and Galloway to Aberdeenshire, before selecting the following category winners:

• Creative Regeneration: A Creative Approach to Revitalising Lochside (Dumfries). LIFT D&G are delivering a creative placemaking approach from a community Art Cabin, providing opportunities that allow people to fulfil their potential.
• Removing Barriers to Employability: What I Need In Life (WIN) (South Lanarkshire). Delivered by Routes to Work South, WIN offers an alternative employability pathway, with access to a broad spectrum of support delivered by an established network of partners.
• Housing and Regeneration: The Standard, Midsteeple Quarter (Dumfries). The development has delivered strategic town centre regeneration via community asset ownership. The housing element consists of seven apartments for mid-market rent.
• Community Led Regeneration: Scottish Men’s Sheds (National). Men’s Sheds transform disused and underutilised buildings into vibrant community hubs where men can come together to connect, and share skills and knowledge.
• Improving Scotland’s Places: Ardrossan South Beach Community Space (North Ayrshire). Ardrossan Community Development Trust, a crucial community anchor organisation, have been supporting the transformation of the area, including the development of the HUB on the Prom, a key community asset allowing for a range of services to be delivered for the community and visitors alike.

The five winning projects all demonstrate 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.

The evening concluded with an after dinner speech from Mark Hannah an Edinburgh-born actor and playwright, known for his 2025 debut Edinburgh Fringe Festival show Athens of the North.

Since 2003, the SURF Awards have been delivered by SURF in partnership with the Scottish Government. SURF is also grateful for additional support provided by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Procurement Alliance, Scotland’s Towns Partnership and South of Scotland Enterprise towards the delivery of thematic categories.

Emma Scott, awards and communications manager at SURF, said: “The 2025 SURF Award finalists again demonstrate the committed work of regeneration initiatives to showcase what can be achieved when people work collaboratively to make a lasting change within their respective communities. The passion shown and uncompromising devotion to task are not only admirable but astonishing.”

Brian MacDonald, chair of SURF, said: “Over 27 years, the SURF Awards have consistently attracted entrants of the highest quality, this year’s finalists are no exception. I have regularly been humbled by the range of talent and commitment, and in many cases the sheer doggedness, shown by individuals and groups in their endeavours to improve their communities. The Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate their success, a success that Scotland can justifiably be proud of.”

Kate Forbes, Scottish Government deputy first minister, said: “The SURF Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of communities leading the way in regeneration. The shortlisted projects show how local action can drive meaningful change — socially, economically, and physically — while also embracing sustainability and innovation at their core.

“Regeneration is not just about improving places; it’s about supporting the conditions for resilient communities to thrive in the face of evolving challenges and address local priorities on their own terms. It is right that we celebrate and learn from this year’s shortlisted projects.”