The Stromness Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) has won a national regeneration award.

The award was for a five-year project to enhance the historic centre of the town.

Developed by Orkney Islands Council, the scheme took first place in the category 'Town Centre Regeneration' at the 2013 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration.

Commenting on the achievement, Chair of the Council's Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor James Stockan, said: "This award by a nationwide, independent industry network speaks volumes about the quality, reputation and success of the THI.

"I congratulate the whole community for engaging with us on this challenging but revitalising project – along with all the staff involved in making it happen.

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"Recognition of this calibre is a fantastic achievement - it cements the THI's position as model of community regeneration and will help attract interest in Stromness and its unique built heritage."

Project Manager, Miriam Frier, added: "This award is a credit to the wider public in Stromness who've really embraced the project and helped ensure its success. The judging process was very thorough, including a visit by four members of the judging panel, and involved meeting with those who have worked with the THI project team and benefitted from the scheme during its lifespan."

The Stromness THI commenced within the Stromness Conservation Area in July 2009, and will come to an end in June 2014. The original £3.56m of THI funding has secured a total project investment value of £6.25m of public and private funding for Stromness. The overarching aim of the Stromness THI is to aid the regeneration of the town centre, ensuring economic viability through investment in the built heritage. The initiative is funded by HLF and other partners, notably Historic Scotland and OIC.

Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, said: "Stromness town centre has been transformed over the last four years, with old buildings brought back into use and shop fronts restored. Yet the success of the THI goes far beyond the bricks and mortar. It has brought with it employment, skills training and tourism."

(JP/IT)