My Place Awards 2020

I’ve spent the last few weeks travelling around Scotland filming projects for the 2020 My Place Awards. The awards are the Scottish Civic Trust’s annual celebration of the difference local communities can make to their built and natural environment. Supported by the Scottish Government, their aim is to bring proper recognition to individuals and projects that have had a positive impact in a local neighbourhood and have delivered positive benefits to that community.

My journey took me to Sutherland to the Falls of Shin Visitor Attraction which was rebuilt after a devastating fire. In Edinburgh I met a group of volunteers who renovated Bridgend Farmhouse into a community hub who’s aim is to provide a space for people to grow. Over in western Lochaber I met a group of people in the small village of Strontian who built their own primary school.

I find these types of commissions extremely interesting as they take me to places off the beaten track where I normally wouldn’t go and allow me to meet and interview interesting members of local communities who really do make a difference. Perhaps these communities are more important now than ever.