Linkscape was set up in April 2015 to encourage tenants, owners and staff to work together to make, and sustain, environmental improvements in two Link neighbourhoods in Falkirk. Since then the project has expanded and is now working at sites in Clydebank and Edinburgh too.

Linkscape provides practical support to tenants to encourage them to take ownership of their communal areas and will ensure tenants’ ideas on how to improve their environment are delivered.

In the time the project has been running it has demonstrated a number of positive outcomes. The level of tenant engagement with Link has increased and work to improve the area has included litter picks, planting days, building raised flower beds replanting uncared for areas and cleaning up an old stone seating area.

Project has great potential

Tony Kelly from TPAS said: “TPAS’ panel of independent judges applauded the close working between local people and staff and thought it showed great potential for expanding to more areas and landlords.”

Tenant Rose Dorman said: “We had a great time at the awards ceremony and were delighted to be able to attend the ceremony and pick up this award for Linkscape. The TPAS conference was really educational, welcoming and inspiring. For me Linkscape is a good thing because it gives direct and practical help to tenants interested in improving their environment. It is still early days but word is getting around that Linkscape is a brilliant project. Thanks to Fraser, Connor and Joe from Link for all their help and advice so far with our community gardening project in Dalmuir.”

Colin Culross, Director of Development and Asset Management, added: “I am delighted that Linkscape has been recognised for this award. Linkscape is a community initiative pilot which has become a catalyst for tenants and Link staff to work together to improve the areas in which they live while also providing employment and training opportunities.