2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of the SURF Awards, showcasing and sharing best practice, and promoting learning from ‘what works’ in regenerating 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 2023 SURF Awards. Projects range in scale, activity and geography, from smaller scale community activity in Govan to arts festivals and programmes in Edinburgh and Greenock, and larger scale investments in Orkney. We hope all 15 will inspire those working in regeneration projects throughout Scotland, and provide opportunities for learning.