Fifteen projects from across Scotland have been chosen as finalists for the 2025 Excellence Awards - COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success.
26th September 2025
All 32 Scottish local authorities and delivery partner organisations were invited over the summer to submit entries to a judging panel comprising a number of experts across the public and private sector.
Our judging teams had the unenviable task of agreeing just 15 finalists from hundreds of applications. The judges’ shortlist features a series of Local Authority projects and teams which highlight real examples of best practice and innovative service delivery over five categories; Leading Innovation; Improving in Partnership; Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health; Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy; and, Building Towards a Just Transition.
Finalists will now be invited to present their projects in person to a panel of judges in early October led by COSLA President Shona Morrison. Judges will decide on a winner in each of the 5 main categories as well as the winners of an additional 4 special awards; COSLA Chairperson’s Award, the SOLACE Best Team Award, The Scottish Government – Delivering Excellence Award, and a new award introduced in loving memory of our Head of Communications, who passed away earlier this year, the David Kennedy Excellent People Award.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at COSLA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, which will take place on Thursday 13th November 2025 at the Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews.
Councillor Shona Morrison, COSLA’s President and Chairperson of the Excellence Awards, said:
“Firstly, I’d like to offer congratulations to our 15 finalists! Getting through to the final part of this awards process is a huge achievement, so I hope you are feeling proud of getting this far. I am really looking forward to seeing the presentations.
“We know how much effort goes into the application process for busy council teams, so I would like to also take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to put in an application.
“The COSLA Excellence Awards are a highlight of my year and it’s always inspiring to hear so many positive and innovative projects being nominated, especially given the challenging times we are in. These teams use their creativity, innovation and genuine passion for their communities every day to overcome increasingly complex challenges.
“The Awards exist to recognise exactly this talent and passion, and I cannot iterate enough how much I appreciate the commitment of our Council teams. Their work is truly invaluable to each and every one of us.
“I hope you’ll join me in celebrating their efforts, and I am looking forward to the winners being announced at our awards ceremony at the COSLA Conference and Exhibition November.”
This year’s finalists (in no particular order within their categories) are:
Category 1 – Leading Innovation
- Millie – Our AI Digital Advisor – Renfrewshire Council
- Aberdeen City Innovation - Aberdeen City Council
- Ultra Smart Cycle System: “The Shawlands Bike Bus” – Glasgow City Council
Category 2 – Improving in Partnership
- Community Crafted: Project Based Learning at Banff Academy - Aberdeenshire Council
- Construction Skills - Edinburgh City Council
- Lossiemouth Christmas Tree Project - Moray Council
Category 3 – Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health
- Local Fairness Initiative - Dundee City Council
- 101 Youth Project - West Lothian Council
- Family Support Hubs - South Lanarkshire Council
Category 4 – Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy
- Participation in Practice: Children Shaping Highland’s Future - Highland Council
- Family Empowerment - Dundee City Council
- Clackmannanshire Family Wellbeing Partnership Place Based Whole Family Support - Clackmannanshire Council
Category 5 – Building Towards a Just Transition
- Granite homes towards Net Zero - Aberdeenshire Council
- Net Zero Accelerator - East Ayrshire Council
- Bell Street - Green Transport Hub - Dundee City Council
Please note finalists will receive a small number of complimentary tickets - COSLA will contact the relevant contacts with this information.
