By Riza Aparici MIEP, Partnership Manager at the IEP
The IEP had the privilege of attending the SURF Awards 2024 in Glasgow on 5th December, celebrating 26 years of showcasing best practices in tackling physical, social, and economic challenges in communities across Scotland. As a friend of SURF, we were honoured to be part of this inspiring event, which highlighted the exceptional work being done to regenerate Scotland’s places.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with images of Quokkas on the screens and gifted little badges featuring the cheerful mascot. Known as the happiest animal in the world, the Quokka perfectly reflected the spirit of the event. Everyone was so welcoming, positive, and filled with enthusiasm for the incredible work they’re doing to support their local communities.
Brian MacDonald, Chair of SURF, said last year the awards celebrated 25 years of acknowledging and learning from those committed to making improvements in Scotland communities.
“As we move forward, we need to recognise that the environment we operate in is becoming more challenging as budgets come under greater pressure,” he said.
“Faced with these additional challenges, it is important that we continue to provide a platform to celebrate the achievements of those who go above and beyond in making improvements in our communities. The efforts of all of those considered for the SURF Awards are considerable and deserve to be applauded.”
Categories and Winners
The SURF Awards celebrated achievements across five categories:
Creative Regeneration – Winner: Narture CIC
Removing Barriers to Employability – Winner: DFN Project SEARCH Ninewells
Housing and Regeneration – Winner: Kirkhope Steading
Community-Led Regeneration – Winner: Bute Community Forest
Improving Scotland’s Places – Winner: Molendinar’s Flourishing
The event profiled 15 outstanding shortlisted projects (find out more in the 2024 SURF Awards Publication) ranging from smaller-scale community activities in Cranhill to arts and wellbeing programmes in Inverclyde and major investments in Kilmarnock. These initiatives exemplify the power of community-driven efforts, showcasing resilience, creativity, and a commitment to fostering inclusion and opportunity.
“The SURF Awards highlight that regeneration projects make a real difference to Scottish communities, and the people who live there,” said Emma Scott, SURF’s Events, Information and Communications Manager.
“This is demonstrated by the committed work of this year’s 15 shortlisted initiatives who, despite increased pressure on demand for services and in the face of unprecedented challenges, showcase what can be achieved when people come together, working in partnership, to make a lasting change within their communities.”
Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Change
The SURF Awards emphasise not only celebrating success but also sharing knowledge through events that bring people together to learn, exchange ideas, and inspire change. This aligns perfectly with the IEP’s mission to promote best practices in employability and community empowerment.
A Special Thanks
We’d like to extend our gratitude to Emma Scott, Euan Leitch, and the entire SURF team for organising such a fantastic event. Their dedication to supporting regeneration initiatives across Scotland is truly commendable.
It was an honour to celebrate the achievements of all 15 shortlisted projects. Hearing winners and runners-up speak so passionately about their work and the impact they’re making in their local areas was incredibly inspiring.
We’re excited to see these impactful projects in action and look forward to witnessing how these communities continue to grow and thrive. Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up—you are a true inspiration to us all!
