The My Place Awards, supported by the Scottish Government, recognises projects that have had a positive impact in their local neighbourhood and have delivered regenerative benefits to that community.
Bellsbank, East Ayrshire was announced as the Winner of the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2019 by Aileen Campbell, Communities Secretary, Scottish Government in The Lighthouse, Glasgow.
Bellsbank is a rural, former coal mining community that has suffered heavily from the loss of the local industry. Despite the wonderful landscape setting at the head of the Doon Valley overlooking the Bogton Loch, the physical appearance and condition of the housing stock had become dilapidated and forbidding. The idea to bring colour to Bellsbank was conceived of locally and residents were invited to choose from a carefully considered colour plan. The unique, innovative and collaborative approach at Bellsbank, with residents engaged and empowered from the outset, has seen a transformative effect. The improvements have not only been felt in the dramatic visual enhancement of the village, but also in tackling social isolation and loneliness, fuel poverty, food insecurity and connectedness.
Projects were shortlisted from across Scotland; Barholm Community Enterprise Centre, Bellsbank, Dunoon Burgh Hall, Inverness Creative Academy, The Raining’s Stairs Development and Turriff Cemetery and Millennium Garden.
Dunoon Burgh Hall, Argyll & Bute received a Commendation.
Turriff Cemetery and Millennium Garden received a Small Project Green Space Award.
The Raining’s Stairs Development received a Small Project Public Realm Award.
The Sustainability Award
As the My Place Awards enter their ninth year, the Sustainability Award was introduced for the first time to recognise projects and buildings which have flourished over time and have made an extraordinary impact to the community. Nominations were received for Dance Base, Maggie’s Edinburgh, Jupiter Artland, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Castlemilk Stables and Eastgate Theatre.
Maggie’s Edinburgh was announced as the winner of the My Place Sustainability Award 2019.
Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), Dundee, (opened 1999) received a Commendation.
Maggie’s Edinburgh was the first centre to open in 1996 and is now one of 22 centres across the UK and abroad. The building, designed by Edinburgh-based Richard Murphy Architects, was shortlisted for the 1997 RIBA Stirling Prize. The centre in Edinburgh is built in the grounds of the Western General Hospital and offers free practical, social and emotional support to all those affected by cancer. The evidence based programme is based on the principle of helping those affected by cancer, to manage the impact of a diagnosis and help those affected to live with hope and determination. During 2018 Maggie’s Edinburgh underwent a refurbishment project which saw the current building be extended to allow for new meeting spaces for both groups and individuals.
All shortlisted projects and entries to the photography competition will be in the My Place Exhibition at The Lighthouse, Glasgow from 25 April – 3 June 2019. Entry is free.