The Falkirk area has been shortlisted for three national planning awards this month by Scottish Government.

Falkirk’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (IFLI) and the Carron Dams project have all been shortlisted from more than 50 entries into the Scottish Awards for Quality Planning 2019.

The awards celebrate achievements in planning and are considered ‘one of the Government’s most prestigious awards’.

Three criteria are used by an independent judging panel that looks at innovation in the project; impact that the project has had and; transferability of the project and lessons learned from it. A final decision will be made by Scottish Ministers.

A public vote (the People’s Choice) of the final 35 projects is being held with a closing date of 30 September 2019. 

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “Being shortlisted for these prestigious awards is a significant result and all three of the projects are worthy winners in their respective categories.

“The projects have all helped to transform the area they are located in and local communities have been at the heart of what they have managed to achieve.

“It is a difficult choice however we are urging everyone across the Falkirk area to make their voices heard and choose one of the three projects for the People’s Choice award before 30 September.

“Whatever the result the communities of Falkirk can be justifiably proud in getting to this stage in the competition.”

Falkirk THI was a £5.5m programme that ran between 2013 and 2018 where heritage grants were awarded within Falkirk town centre to help preserve and enhance the town centre’s attractive historic environment.

The Inner Forth Landscape Initiative was a £4m partnership programme that between 2014 and 2018 delivered 50+ projects to conserve, enhance and celebrate the natural, built and cultural heritage of the unique landscape at the upper reaches of the Firth of Forth.

The Caron Dams project, working with Larbert High School and partners, has transformed a former industrial site with new paths and interpretive artworks into a “Dam Fine” place for visitors to enjoy a Local Nature Reserve at the heart of Carron, Larbert and Stenhousemuir.

The final results of the competition will be announced in November 2019.