These awards are specific to frontline services provided by UK local authorities and judged by a panel of expert judges.

This year, the Awards include 17 categories, covering the vast majority of local services. The shortlist for the prestigious Overall Council of the Year Award has just been announced and Highland Council have made the shortlist for the first time. The other six are Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; Dumfries and Galloway Council; London Borough of Hackney Council; Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Renfrewshire Council; Stockton on Tees Borough Council.

As well as in contention for the Overall Award, Highland Council has also been shortlisted in the following categories:

• Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative - Burnside Play Park in Aviemore
• Best Service Team Parks, Grounds and Horticultural Service – Amenities Play Team
• Best Service Team Technical Services - GIS Officer

The convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Bill Lobban said: “My sincere congratulations to staff on making it to the finals. This is a great achievement and reflects the hard work, professionalism, skills and dedication of everyone involved. The awards receive hundreds of submissions so to meet the stringent criteria of the judges to be short-listed is wonderful news.”

The Award winners will be announced during the presentation evening which will be held at the end of APSE’s annual seminar 2025 which will take place in Glasgow on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 September.