Two local authority projects in the Scottish Borders have been shortlisted at a national planning awards.

The Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning 2016 aim to recognise work being carried out in the planning sector.

The council's Glentress Masterplan Supplementary Planning Guidance has been shortlisted for an accolade, as well as work carried out with Scottish Water to investigate the potential of heating council buildings with waste water.

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Cllr Ron Smith said: "The Glentress Masterplan was a substantial piece of policy work, undertaken in partnership with Forest Enterprise Scotland, and which sets out a vision of how Glentress forest can be developed successfully in the future, including more amenities for visitors.

"The other project has involved looking at relatively new, innovative technology, but which is already utilised locally by Borders College, to heat property using the natural heat which emanates from nearby waste water pipes.

"Six potential locations have been identified where we may be able to make use of this technology to provide a sustainable, low cost heating solution, and the means of mapping the sewers and properties is one which could be replicated by other organisations across the country."

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in November.

(LM)