2020 marks 22 years of the SURF Awards, showcasing, promoting and sharing the learning from best practice examples of ‘what works’ within Scotland’s places. Each year the SURF Awards has celebrated some of the most impressive outcomes in tackling physical, social and economic decline in communities throughout the country.

This publication profiles the 15 projects shortlisted in the 2020 SURF Awards, plus an additional project that received special recognition for impact during the Covid lockdown period. Projects range in scale, activity and geography, from smaller scale community hubs in Paisley and Edinburgh and arts and wellbeing programmes in Govan to large scale investment in Argyll and Bute and South Lanarkshire. We hope all 16 will inspire those working in regeneration projects throughout Scotland, and provide opportunities for learning.