The search is on for the best designed buildings in the Scottish Borders, with the launch of the Scottish Borders Council Design Award Scheme 2009.

Organised by the Countryside and Heritage team of the Planning and Economic Development Department, the award scheme is intended to recognise and publicise examples of recent good design in the Scottish Borders.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 25 September.

Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre, Executive Member for Planning and Environment said: "The new Administration of the Council, elected in May 2007, committed itself as a priority as part of 'The Bright Future for the Borders,' to defend the character of the Borders by raising standards of building design, including renewable requirements.

"This award scheme represents a positive element in our drive to improve design standards by recognising and highlighting examples of good design already completed."

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Previous winners of the Scheme in 2007 included: The Orchard, Newstead (winner of the new build category), The Steading, Morebattle (winner of the conservation category) and Grange Wood, Coldingham (winner of the sustainable design category).

This year, there are four separate entry categories: New Build (individual buildings), New Build Housing Developments (more than five units), Work to Existing Buildings (including conversions/ extensions) and Sustainable Design.

All types of projects are eligible: small to large scale, urban or rural, domestic or commercial, and if appropriate, applications can be considered for more than one category or award. Projects must be within the Scottish Borders area and have been completed in the period between 1 January 2007 and 31 March 2009.

Either the owner or the designer can make applications to the award scheme, and there is no entry fee. Submissions should be made no later than Friday 25 September. Details and application forms are available from Heritage & Design Team, Planning and Economic Development, Council HQ, Newtown St Boswells (tel. 01835-825060 ext. 5697/ 6563) or online at www.scotborders.gov.uk.

A panel of independent experts will judge the competition in mid-October, with the winners being invited to an awards ceremony in November. A certificate and cast aluminium plaque will be presented to the winner in each category and, at the judges' discretion, commendations may also be made.

Following the Awards Ceremony, it is intended that all of the applications will form a travelling exhibition that will be displayed throughout the Borders.

(GK/JM)