Argyll and Bute Council's Empty Homes officer, Kelly Ferns, has been named Outstanding Individual at the Howdens Scottish Empty Homes Champions of the Year Awards for her commitment and dedication to empty homes work. Her collaborative approach and passion as well as consistent results were recognised by the panel.

Winners were announced at the awards ceremony which took place alongside the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership annual at The Engine Shed in Stirling.

Councillor Robin Currie, Argyll and Bute Council's Policy Lead for Housing, said: "This is wonderful news. Kelly has a real passion for the work she does, and goes above and beyond to provide the best possible outcomes for empty homes in Argyll and Bute. Kelly is an extremely worthy winner and a credit to the service. Well done."

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Shaheena Din, National Manager of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, also said: "I'd like to congratulate Kelly on being named our Outstanding Individual for 2018. She has gone above and beyond the day job to bring empty homes back into use. In a category with extremely strong candidates, she is a worthy winner."

The SEHP was set up in 2010 to encourage and support councils to use the most effective methods of bringing empty homes back into use. Over the past eight years members of the SEHP's network of empty homes specialists have brought more than 3,200 properties back into use. The Partnership is funded by the Scottish Government and hosted by Shelter Scotland.