South Lanarkshire was shortlisted in three categories in the TIS National Excellence Awards 2015.

TIS, or the Tenants Information Service, is an independent organisation that brings together the knowledge and skills to help tenants and landlords work together more effectively throughout Scotland.

The National Excellence Awards are run annually to recognise truly outstanding work by those who are making a difference in their communities and the housing sector, and are held in association with the Scottish Government and this year sponsored by Dundee City Council.

South Lanarkshire Council’s Housing Services put in three nominations for the 2015 awards, all of which were selected for the final shortlist in their categories.

The Budget Scrutiny Group was shortlisted for the Scrutiny Excellence Award, for landlord organisations that can demonstrate excellent tenant scrutiny practice; Rae McLeod, of Cathkin Co-op, for the Frances Nelson MBE Excellence Award, which recognises individual tenants, residents or volunteers who have dedicated time to making a difference in their community; and Central Cambuslang Sensory Garden for the Tenants & Residents Organisation of the Year Award, which is open to any tenants and residents group or umbrella organisation in Scotland that has worked to achieve positive change.

Annette Finnan, head of area services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “We have a strong and effective working relationship with tenant organisations in an area and, by working in partnership, we can make a difference to the services we provide and communities we serve.

“Representing tenants’ interests and campaigning for their local area is work that largely goes unrecognised, however it is thanks to the commitment and hard work of individuals and groups that a real difference is made to their communities.

“We were delighted that the three nominations were recognised and reached such a high level at these prestigious awards.”

@SouthLanCouncil

@TISScotland