The Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards, supported by the Scottish Government and sponsored by Urban Union, celebrate community-led built environment projects that have transformed their locality. The winning and commended entries were announced at a ceremony at The Trades Hall, Glasgow on 13th March.
The winner of the My Place Awards 2024 Community Champion category is Eugenie Aroutcheff, Co-founder of Grow 73 in South Lanarkshire.
Eugenie developed and currently oversees Grow 73, a charity aiming to help people of all ages and abilities to grow their own produce, learn how to lead more sustainable lives and support local biodiversity.
Grow 73 has leased a piece of unused land in Overtoun Park in Rutherglen and has gradually transformed it by adding raised beds, a pond, a nature walk and more. Grow 73 offers this space to volunteers and the local community to meet up and participate in activities and works with local schools and wider organisations to impart their message of the importance of being eco-aware.
Neil McKay, Managing Director of Urban Union, said: “It’s an honour to sponsor this award for a second year and to help celebrate and recognise those who improve the environment and foster community wealth by enhancing local spaces. Urban Union understand this first-hand through our commitment of regenerating and transforming areas to create and foster communities. Eugenie’s achievements go above and beyond, and we pass on our congratulations for a deserving win.”
Iain Mulholland, Eugenie’s nominator, said: “Eugenie has passionately developed this project from its inception to the success it is now. She is committed to the ideal of helping people and the environment to make the world a better place to be. Her drive and determination to challenge bureaucracy and focus on improving her own area and the wider community is commendable.”