Glasgow gift card successes hailed at Scotland Loves Local Awards

Special recognition for two driving forces involved in initiative PLUS impact of Ibrox Commons transformation recognised.

Article Source: Scotland Loves Local
Last Updated: 29 November 2023 15:37

Two of the driving forces in work to inject millions of pounds into Glasgow’s economy while supporting low-income residents have been recognised for their work.

Glasgow City Council officers Ewan Eccleston and Ivonne Hamilton were announced as recipients of a Judges’ Special Award at the Scotland Loves Local Awards last night (Tuesday).

The award was made in recognition of their contribution towards the roll-out of the Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card in summer 2022.

Ewan, the council’s economic development manager, and strategic operations manager Ivonne led the team responsible for the distribution of cards worth £1-5 to 85,000 low-income households across the city.

The project - backed by Scottish Government funding - has been credited with supporting people and families through the cost of living crisis, while also boosting the local economy.

More than £7m has since been spent in Glasgow using the cards distributed - with approaching 1,000 city businesses registered to accept them.

The audience at the awards, hosted by television presenter Sean Batty at V&A Dundee, heard about the hard work of the team they led in delivering the trailblazing programme.

Also at the awards, the Ibrox Commons project, developed by Galgael on former wasteland bordering its own garden at their workshop in Govan, was runner up in the Climate and Net Zero Award.

Their nomination stated: “Ibrox Commons has been developed in response to an expressed need within the local community for a safe communal space for food growing and outdoor community interaction, learning and skills development.

“Over the last two years the neglected and underused site has been transformed into an accessible and welcoming sanctuary.”

Organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP), the Scotland Loves Local Awards reward remarkable work taking place to improve communities, from tackling the climate emergency and encouraging enterprise to transforming streets and creating great places to live.

Sean Batty said: “The dedication and drive shown by all of our finalists to deliver for their community is simply amazing. The difference they make - day in, day out - is incredible.”

STP Chair, Professor Leigh Sparks, added: “Everyone nominated for a Scotland Loves Local Award is playing their part in creating a better future for their community.

“We should be proud of them all, as we should of all the unsung heroes working every day across the country. Their vision, determination, entrepreneurship and creativity is exactly what we need to create a stronger Scotland with more sustainable places in which to live, work and visit.

“Thanks to all of our supporters and sponsors for making these awards possible.”

STP is the organisation spearheading the Scotland Loves Local campaign, supported by the Scottish Government.

For more information about the awards and the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, go to www.lovelocal.scot and follow #ScotlandLovesLocal on social media.

Scotland Loves Local Awards 2023: Roll of honour

Climate and Net Zero Community, supported by Business Stream and Green Action Trust
• Winner: Dalrymple, Skeldon and Hollybush Steering Group
• Runner-up: Gauchalland East Community Gardens, Galston
• Runner-up: Ibrox Commons, Glasgow

Creative Community, supported by Creative Scotland
• Winner: Vibrant Gala Project, Galashiels
• Runner-up: Art Night, Dundee
• Runner-up: Scene Stirling

Digital, supported by Commsworld and Miconex
• Winner: Forres Local, Moray Media CIC
• Runner-up: “Like a Local” campaign, Forth Valley Food and Drink
• Runner-up: Lokali.shop, Inverurie

Enterprising Communities
• Winner: GALE Centre, Gairloch
• Runner-up: Include Me 2 Club, Barrhead
• Runner-up: The Furniture Project, Stranraer

Judges’ Special Award for supporting the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card (joint winners)
• Ewan Eccleston and Ivonne Hamilton, Glasgow City Council
• Kirsty Shand, Moray Council

Place Leader, supported by Message Matters
• Winner: Diane Brown, Alloa First
• Runner-up: Ross Grant, Aberdeen Inspired
• Runner-up: Dr Michael Gray, Energise Galashiels

Streets and Spaces, supported by Sustrans
• Winner: Craigie Street Pocket Park, Dundee
• Runner-up: Gateway to Strathclyde Country Park, Bellshill
• Runner-up: Inchyra Park, Grangemouth

Town Centre Living
• Winner: Almondvale Court, Livingston (West Lothian Council and The Wheatley Group)
• Runner-up: Merchant House, Inverness (Highland Housing Association)
• Runner-up:Simon Square, Edinburgh (Fraser / Livingstone Architects)

High Street Hero
• Winner: Gordon McDonald, Buckie Action Group

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