A regeneration initiative by Orkney Islands Council (OIC) has been nominated for an industry accolade.

The 'Team Stromness' scheme has been named on the shortlist for this year's Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.

The initiative featured a Council-wide task force to coordinate several distinct regeneration projects within the historic core of Stromness, including:

• Repaving the main street in Stromness in local stone

• Construction of the landmark Warehouse Building

• Paving and redevelopment of the wider pierhead area

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• Redevelopment by the Council of the Commercial Hotel through the Stromness THI

• Grants for private householders and businesses to help traditional repairs and refurbishment through the Stromness THI

The scheme has been nominated for the 'Process' category, and will be up against six other projects from across Scotland.

A team will present their case to a panel of judges in Edinburgh in September, with winners expected to be announced in November.

Council Leader James Stockan said: "This shortlisting is a reflection of the concerted and coordinated effort to bring about rejuvenation and regeneration in our much loved town – in a way which builds on the history and spirit of Stromness as a thriving economic and cultural hub.

"We are now seeing exciting further investment in Stromness, such as the multi-million pound Orkney Research and Innovation Campus project.

"All this taken alongside a new primary school, care home, and commercial pier at Coplands Dock, Stromness is now firmly on the map as a premier place to live, work, and do business."

(LM/MH)