Forres group in running for SURF award
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Moray is punching well above its weight in terms of nominations for this year's SURF (Scottish Community Regeneration) Awards.
It's been announced today that three local organisations have been included among the short list of just 15 from across Scotland.
An independent panel of 20 judges have picked Elgin Youth Development Group, Findhorn Bay Arts and Tomintoul and Glenlivet Affordable Housing.
Elgin Youth Development Group is now in the running to win the prize for supporting youth employment – one of five categories into which the awards are divided.
EYDG, as it's otherwise known, was set up in 1998 to give young people somewhere to met and socialise.
From its busy base on Francis Place, it runs a youth club as well as heaps of courses and classes.
Findhorn Bay Arts, which despite the name is actually based in Forres, has been shortlisted in the creative regeneration category.
Which is especially good timing as today is the first day of the fourth Findhorn Bay Arts Festival.
Staged every other year, the festival will see over 100 different music and arts events taking place locally between now and a week on Sunday.
The third and final organisation from Moray – Tomintoul and Glenlivet Affordable Housing – is on the shortlist for the housing and regeneration category.
The SURF awards are run in partnership with the Scottish Government.
Euan Leitch, their chief executive, said: "The final 15 projects are spread from the southwest corner of Scotland to its northeast tip.
"The judges now have the job of visiting them to hear first-hand how communities have delivered positive change.
"It will be a delight to welcome them all to the SURF Awards dinner in a Glasgow in December."
