Scotland’s finest bricks and mortar

OVER the coming weeks and months, many of the newest homes in Scotland are set to come under close scrutiny by some of the property industry’s most respected figures.  They’ll be judged on build quality, use of space, standard of finish and scrutinised for evidence of innovative use of materials. They’ll be assessed on how well they meet the demands of modern living and whether they are a positive addition to the streetscape and the wider community. Satisfy all these criteria and the developers of the best homes, apartments, social housing and regeneration schemes could find themselves winners of the property industry’s most prestigious accolades, The Herald Property Awards for Scotland. Since they were launched more than a decade ago, The Herald Property Awards for Scotland have established themselves as the industry’s gold standard, encouraging excellence and innovation and providing buyers with an independent mark of quality.

Now the search is on to find this year’s most outstanding new homes and Andrew McFarlane, consultant with DM Hall and Chairman of the judging panel says: “Every year The Herald Property Awards for Scotland seek out the best in new home building across Scotland, identifying excellence, innovation and a commitment to meeting the needs of buyers and residents.  This year we hope to find more high quality new homes.” The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony in September, but before then judges will travel the length and breadth of Scotland, visiting every single property before drawing up a shortlist of this year’s top contenders.

Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the awards and winners included Devon Lane, a project by Stewart Milne Homes Central Scotland in the West Lothian village of Winchburgh, which was named best development in Scotland and Wheatley Group’s GHA division in partnership with Cruden Homes West for the creation of 100 new energy-efficient homes, some of which are wheelchair accessible, at North Toryglen, which was named Affordable Development of the Year. Wheatley Group won again with its Cube Housing Association division in partnership with Ruchazie Housing Association for Milncroft Road, where a derelict site had been transformed by the creation of 60 new homes for social rent, mid-market rent and shared equity ownership.  Other winners included Avant Homes, Miller Homes, CALA Homes (West) and Apsis Solutions, Charlesfort and the Four Acre Trust for The Highburgh Collection in Glasgow’s west end.

New to the event for 2017 is the Scottish Building Society, which is sponsoring this year’s Individual New Build or Small Development Award.  John Lloyd, the Society’s Head of Sales says: “Scottish Building Society is delighted to be involved in The Herald Property Awards 2017.  “We have been helping people in Scotland to buy their homes since 1848 and we look forward to continuing our support of a healthy and vibrant property market.” The award for Best Regeneration Project will be sponsored by Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Phil Prentice, STP Chief Officer, says: “Scotland is a nation of towns and our future social and economic success will depend heavily on how we invest, nurture, innovate, support, repurpose and regenerate our towns.  Scotland’s Towns Partnership is pleased to be working with The Herald again in 2017 to showcase the best regeneration projects taking place across the country.  “There is so much regeneration progress being made across Scotland’s towns and cities.  Places like Inverness, Paisley and Dundee are reinventing their role and function using creativity, digital, life science’s and energy as new 21st century drivers. This event highlights the best of these regeneration projects and encourages others to follow suit.”

As well as properties and developments being recognised, the awards acknowledge the work by teams in the property industry.  Keith Benzie, Client Partner with Space & Time Media, which is one again sponsoring the Property Team of the Year award, says: “Space & Time Media have been heavily involved in the new build sector in Scotland for over 15 years and it’s an absolute pleasure to sponsor The Herald Property Awards again in 2017. We wish all the entrants the very best of luck.”

Daw Signs and Daw Kitchens are once again sponsoring The Herald Property Awards. Managing director Gary Daw said: “The New Homes Industries most prestigious accolade to the building industries leading developers, large and small, Daw are pleased to work with many of the developers who have entered the final phase of the competition and wish everyone the very best of luck and success on the night.” Maitland Walker, Managing Partner of Rettie West End LLP says: “The Herald Property Awards recognises those in the industry that are best in class.  “Rettie & Co are delighted to once again sponsor the event and to acknowledge those where best is a bar that can always be raised.” Brian Fulton, Director, Ross & Liddle, sponsors the Best Luxury Home category, said: “Ross & Liddell are once again pleased to be part of The Herald Property Awards for 2017. “Early enquires from the building and development fraternity, pre-launch, stands as testament to the high regard with which the awards are held across Scotland. We look forward to the judging process which will commence in the coming weeks.” And Tom Barclay, Wheatley Group Director of Property and Development, whose organisation is sponsoring the Best Family Home for small-scale developers, says: “We are delighted to be part of the Herald Property Awards again this year. “One of our priorities at Wheatley is increasing the supply of affordable, quality housing across our communities. “Our commercial subsidiary Lowther Homes, which has a growing portfolio of homes for market and mid-market rent, plays a key role in that by offering people who are looking for a home more choice.” He adds: “But we’re always very keen to learn more about the good work going on across Scotland.  “The Herald Property Awards for Scotland are a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the very best examples of housebuilding and regeneration across Scotland.”

To enter The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2017, download a form from www.newsquestscotlandevents.com/heraldpropertyawards or for more information please contact Claire Hunter on 0141 302 7319 or email claire.hunter@heraldandtimes.co.uk

Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 1, 2017.