Channel 4's Restoration Man will be hosting the Oscars of the architectural and design world being held in Edinburgh this week.

Writer and architect George Clarke will host the 2012 Civic Trust Awards which are taking place at The Hub on Friday (2 March).

Supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the event recognises the very best in architecture, urban design, planning, landscape, public realm and public art.

Two Edinburgh projects – The National Museum of Scotland and The Scotsman Steps - are among the 52 shortlisted entries for this year’s event which attracted over 300 nominations from across the world.

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There is also a Special Award for Scotland category which will recognise the country's best entry.

Councillor Stuart Roy McIvor, vice-convenor of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Committee, will be opening the event on Friday.

He said: "It’s a great honour for Edinburgh to be hosting this year’s Civic Trust Awards ceremony which recognise the very best the world of architecture and design has to offer.

"Once again there are some extremely high quality entries in this year’s awards which have all made a positive impact on their local communities and on the environment."

Malcolm Hankey, Managing Director of Civic Trust Awards, said: "We are delighted to bring the 2012 Civic Trust Awards Ceremony to Edinburgh and would like to take this opportunity to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for their support. The event will attract hundreds of leading architects and built environment professionals to the historic city for what is sure to be a wonderful evening of celebration."

(GK)