Orkney Islands Council has won a top planning award for its regeneration efforts within the historic core of Stromness.

The council's 'Team Stromness' initiative scooped the 'Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy' prize at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence in London.

The scheme featured a Council-wide task force to coordinate several distinct regeneration projects, 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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• Grants for private householders and businesses to help traditional repairs and refurbishment through the Stromness THI

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

Gavin Barr, the Council's Director of Development and Infrastructure, said: "I am immensely proud of this because the core of this project was the cross service collaboration of a range of professionals, the strong leadership from elected members and also, critically the sustained partnership with the Stromness community in progressing this work over several years."

Council Leader James Stockan said: "Team Stromness and all it brought to our town was a dedicated, passionate, concerted and coordinated effort to bring about rejuvenation and regeneration to Stromness, building on the history and spirit of the town as a thriving economic and cultural hub. This latest accolade, on the back of scooping the top award in Scotland back in November, is a reflection of the dedication shown by our multi-disciplinary team."

(LM/MH)