Ardrossan Community Development Trust is delighted to share that we have won the “Improving Scotland’s Place” category at the 2025 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration.
The SURF Awards are one of Scotland’s longest-running and most respected accolades for community regeneration, marking their 27th year in 2025. Organised by Scotland’s Regeneration Forum (SURF) in partnership with the Scottish Government, the awards recognise and reward outstanding regeneration projects that deliver real, positive outcomes for people, places and communities across the country. SURF+1
Winning this award is a tremendous honour. It reflects the Trust’s sustained effort to enhance Ardrossan through inclusive planning, collaborative leadership and community-driven action that supports both local wellbeing and the broader environment.
What the SURF Awards Represent
The SURF Awards celebrate best practice and innovation in community regeneration. They are open to completed and ongoing projects across Scotland and provide a platform for initiatives of all scales to demonstrate their value, raise their profile and share learning with others working in similar fields. SURF
A panel of independent judges reviews entries and shortlists projects across several categories – from housing and employability to creativity and community leadership. Final winners are announced at a prestigious awards event, with winners showcased throughout the year in SURF publications, workshops and discussions. SURF
For ACDT to be recognised in the Improving Scotland’s Place category highlights how our work in Ardrossan is being viewed as a strong example of participative planning and successful place-making. This category specifically celebrates projects that have strengthened local identity, enhanced environments and supported economic, social and physical improvements in local towns and communities. Funding Scotland
Thank You to Our Supporters
This achievement would not have been possible without the continued commitment of our local community, members, dedicated staff team and volunteer board of trustees. We are also hugely grateful to our key partners and funders:
- Wave Particle
- Mike Hyatt Architects
- TCS
- Mast Architects
- McLaughlin’s Construction
- North Ayrshire Council
- Cunninghame Housing Association
- The National Lottery
- Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
Each contribution played an essential part in bringing the project to life – from initial ideas to delivery on the ground.
Celebrating Wider Achievement
We also extend our congratulations to the other shortlisted projects in the Improving Scotland’s Place category: Two Towns Big Ideas in Banff and Macduff and Kenmore District Revitalisation. To be recognised alongside such impactful examples of regeneration is truly inspiring. SURF
This collective recognition across Scotland shows the breadth of effort that communities are putting into shaping better places to live, work and visit.
What This Means for Ardrossan
The SURF Award is more than a trophy. It is validation that community-led regeneration can produce meaningful results. It boosts visibility for Ardrossan’s progress and supports the Trust’s efforts to attract further investment, build confidence and forge new partnerships.
Winning this award reflects far more than our own efforts. It is a shared achievement for everyone who has played a role in shaping, supporting and championing the regeneration of our local area. We look forward to building on this momentum together as we continue to strengthen Ardrossan for current and future generations.