The Campbeltown CHORD project has been nominated for best practice in the community regeneration at the 2013 SURF awards, in the category of town centre regeneration.

Every year, SURF (Scotland's Independent Regeneration Network) and the Scottish Government work together to deliver the national SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration.

Argyll and Bute Council's nomination comes following the local authority's recognition that investment was needed in Campbeltown and, in response, developed an appropriate regeneration strategy. This strategy outlined specific proposals to improve the town centre experience and to improve links between the town centre and the waterfront.

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The council took a partnership approach to the Campbeltown project, engaging with the community at all stages.

The project had three main elements: the Kinloch Road regeneration, the Campbeltown Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and the Campbeltown Loch Berthing Facility. Each phase has improved the character and appearance of the waterfront, town centre and main gateway to Campbeltown, while local construction companies have been involved in all aspects of the work, either as the main contractor or as a named sub-contractor. New businesses, jobs and sports facilities have all been created as a result of the scheme.

Chair of the Campbeltown CHORD Board, Councillor Rory Colville, said: "This nomination recognises the outstanding work of the Campbeltown CHORD project in transforming the town, particularly its joined up approach to town centre regeneration, involving the community at each and every stage of the process.

"The work carried out to date has substantially improved the town for those who live and work here, as well as visitors. That being said we still know there is lots to be done, more inward investment to attract and more employment opportunities to create."

This year's ceremony will be held at the Radisson Hotel, Glasgow, on 4 December.

(JP/IT)