The winners will be announced on the 2nd of February, on the second day of the three-day digital conference.

Over the past ten years, the awards have showcased the inspiring work of individuals and organisations who have made exemplary contributions to the field of private sector empty homes work in Scotland.

The awards have four categories that aim to celebrate all of those involved in bringing empty homes back into use:

Outstanding Empty Homes Officer – for an individual EHO or other local authority employee who has contributed the most to bringing empty homes back in to use.

• Finalist: Dawn Cadwell – East Ayrshire Council
• Finalist: Katrina Morrison – Perth & Kinross Council
• Finalist: Joanne Saurin – Fife Council

Outstanding Empty Homes Service – for a partner organisation or team who has made an outstanding contribution to reducing the number of empty homes.

• Finalist: Aberdeen City Council – Empty Homes working group
• Finalist: Angus Council – Housing Enablement Team
• Finalist: Glasgow City Council – Empty Homes Service

Best Merchant, Contractor or Service – for a company or individual (e.g., builder, contractor, architect, or real estate agent) who has gone above and beyond to bring empty homes back in to use.

• Finalist: Auction House Scotland – Residential Property Auctioneer
• Finalist: Fraser & Fraser – Genealogist and Probate researcher
• Finalist: Howdens Joinery – Inverness Branch

Best Long-Term Empty Homes Restoration Project – for the best long-term empty property brought back into use.

• Finalist: Buckstone, Edinburgh – City of Edinburgh Council
• Finalist: Sawmill Green, Moniaive – Moniaive Initiative supported by South of Scotland Community Housing
• Finalist: Victoria Street, Rothesay – Argyll & Bute Council

There has been a record number of empty homes brought back into use over the past year and the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership is excited about honouring those who have worked so hard to make it happen.

Kevin Stewart, housing minister, said: “It is very encouraging that in the midst of a pandemic, we have seen continued hard work and dedication of people and organisations to tackle the issue of empty homes. These properties can be a blight on communities which is why the Scottish Government has invested £400,000 each year to support the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership.

“We greatly appreciate all of the effort that has gone into bringing empty homes back into use over the past year. Good luck and congratulations to all of the deserving finalists.”

Neil Fraser, Fraser and Fraser partner, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the 10th Scottish Empty Homes Annual Conference Awards Ceremony. Throughout this difficult year, it is so important to recognise those going above and beyond for the cause of empty homes.

“With a record number of empty homes brought back into use in 2020, there have been some very inspiring nominations. We wish all finalists the best of luck and thank our team in Scotland, Karen Johannesson and John Martin, for their dedication.”

Single day tickets for the conference are available for £30, while 3-day conference passes are available for £80.

Ticket sales are open at the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership website.

National Property Auctions has been named as the silver sponsor, and Finders International and the Scottish Association of Landlords are both bronze sponsors.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are still available. Organisations interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact SEHP for more information and a copy of sponsorship packages.