Press Archive

Isle of Whithorn wins the title Calor Scottish Community of the Year 2004

The Isle of Whithorn has been announced the overall winner of the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards 2004, at a ceremony in Edinburgh today (Friday 26 November).

Representatives of the Isle of Whithorn Community Council received the award from HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, at the event held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

Nineteen shortlisted communities attended the annual event, which this year attracted more than one hundred entries from communities spanning the length and breadth of Scotland. The ceremony was also captured on film as part of the six-part television series 'Rising to the Challenge', based on the awards.

Now in their seventh year, the awards encompass every aspect of Scottish life, providing communities with an opportunity to gain recognition and reward for their efforts. Their aim is to stimulate local people to take responsibility for their communities and enhance them for common good.

In determining the outcome of the awards, the judges sought best practices within communities, which could be used as examples for other communities throughout Scotland.

Commenting on the Isle of Whithorn's success, Gavin Tomlinson, Calor Scottish Community of the Year Manager said, "Isle of Whithorn is a close knit community with true fighting spirit. It is both proactive and imaginative in its efforts to make the community work for everyone.

"The excellent infrastructure, training and support offered by local businesses have made a huge impact throughout the community. Business development and regeneration initiatives are sensitive to the area and the younger generation take a hands-on approach to community life. "The Isle of Whithorn is a fantastic example of community and very worthy winners of the title Calor Scottish Community of the Year 2004 ".

In addition to the accolade of Calor Scottish Community of the Year 2004, the Isle of Whithorn was winners of the Business and Young People categories and commended in the Older People, Environment and Community Life categories.

The Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards were launched in 1998, and since then more than one third of all Scottish communities from the Borders to Shetland, and all the country's major urban areas have taken part.

The awards include environment, business, young people, old people, community life and community website. Judging the awards were representatives of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Business in the Community (SBC), the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC) and The Robert Gordon University and a Community Information Officer for a local authority.

For further information regarding the awards visit www.communityoftheyear.org.uk

November 26, 2004

For further information contact:

Ashley Ross
Awards Co-ordinator
tel 01224 588900
e-mail ashley@prpartnership.co.uk

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF CALOR SCOTTISH COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR BY THE PR PARTNERSHIP (SCOTLAND) LTD
BON ACCORD HOUSE, RIVERSIDE DRIVE, ABERDEEN AB11 7SL TEL: 01224 588900 FAX 01224 588200