Recent developments in Scotland that have succeeded in engaging communities were recognised in an annual awards ceremony on Friday (March 9th).

A public project in Campbeltown known as Aquilibrium scooped the overall prize at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning for its energy efficient combination of playing fields, restaurant, swimming pool and creche, powered by wood chip biomass.

"Aquilibrium is a fantastic facility which we hope will act as a catalyst for further regeneration in Campbeltown," read a report by the competition’s judges.

Adjudicators also recognised the project’s involvement with the community, highlighting its green credentials and success in "creating a key landmark in the town".

Main awards were also distributed to Aberdeenshire council for environmental work in Aberdeen, to a development site in Leith, Edinburgh and a Planning Aid scheme north of the border.

"Planning has a key role to play in building successful communities and we’re working to modernise the system to make it more efficient, inclusive and sustainable," commented communities minister Rhona Brankin.

"The new Planning Act is a major step towards this, making the most significant reform to Scotland’s planning system in 60 years."

Judges at this year’s event were Joan Burnie, Daily Record associate editor; Ian McLarty, head of planning and building standards at South Ayrshire council and Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium.