The Gateside Tenants and Residents Association won the Tenants and Residents Association of the Year award at the National Excellence Awards 2016 which recognises outstanding community activity over the past year.

Based in the Gateside area of Kirkliston, the Association was set up in September 2014 with the aim of making Gateside a better and more attractive place to live.

The Association has worked closely with City of Edinburgh Council officers in organising community clean-ups and amnesty days for bulk rubbish. A new community garden was opened recently and plans are underway to grow vegetables for shared community use over the summer months. Progress is also being made in the development of a cycle track to be enjoyed by residents of all ages.

Councillor Cammy Day, housing and community safety leader, said: “The work that has been carried out in the area has been a fantastic success and I’m delighted that the efforts of Gateside Tenants and Residents Association have been recognised by this prestigious award.

“The Association is an excellent small group of committed people who are working with the Council and making real and tangible differences in their community. I hope the Association continues to go from strength to strength and its success will encourage others to play an active role in their communities.”

Bill Walker, chair of the Gateside Tenants and Residents Association, said: “We were delighted to have been nominated but to go on and win came as a great surprise given the other finalists.

“When our group’s name was called we were speechless. After lots of photos and congratulations it still hasn’t sunk in.

“We are extremely proud and honoured to have received this award and I would like to thank our nominators and supporters.”