The prestigious national 2026 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration were launched today (04/06/26) at a special online event.

The event, attended by 70 guests, included specially recorded messages from previous SURF Award Winners; LIFT D&G, Routes to Work South, South of Scotland Community Housing (SOSCH), Ettrick and Yarrow Community Development Company, and Bute Community Land Company; and the formal opening of the Awards for applications.

The SURF Awards are delivered each year by SURF, a regeneration forum with over 300 cross-sector member organisations across Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government. The purpose is to highlight, celebrate and share the achievements of initiatives that address physical, social and economic challenges in communities across Scotland.

This year’s five thematic categories include; Removing Barriers to Employability sponsored by ng homes, Creative Regeneration sponsored by Creative Scotland, Community Led Regeneration sponsored jointly by ng homes and South of Scotland Enterprise, Improving Scotland’s Places sponsored by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, and finally an award for Housing and Regeneration sponsored by the Scottish Procurement Alliance.

The winners of the 2026 Awards will be announced by a leading Scottish Government Minister at a celebratory dinner event on the 10th December.

The timescale for the 2026 SURF Awards is as follows:

  • Thursday 4th June – launch of Awards
  • Monday 7th September – close of application period
  • Mid-Sept – Shortlisting by 20 independent judges
  • Late Sept-Oct – Visits and assessment period by judges
  • Thursday 10th December – SURF Awards Presentation Dinner

Diane Gray, SURF Chair said: “The SURF Awards are a wonderful opportunity to gain recognition for significant achievements in regenerating communities across Scotland. Organisations and individuals with commitment and vision are working to meet the challenges we face, and this effort and dedication is showcased in the annual SURF Awards. If you, or someone you know, has made an important difference that you want to share with others, then you should take the opportunity to apply and hopefully become a SURF Award winner!”

Emma Scott, Awards and Communication Manager at SURF said: “The team at SURF are delighted to launch our annual SURF Awards process for the 28th year. Each year we are astounded by the calibre of work taking place in communities throughout Scotland, and the dedication of organisations and individuals to make real lasting change within their communities. We look forward to receiving this year’s nominations.”

For further information on the SURF Awards and to download application materials please visit https://surf.scot/surf-awards/surf-awards-2026/ or contact Emma Scott on emma@surf.scot