The Greener Gateway Community Awards are back for 2026, celebrating the volunteers, community groups and local projects helping to keep the Scottish Borders vibrant, sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Organised to recognise the contribution communities make to caring for their local environment, the awards highlight projects that are enhancing biodiversity, promoting sustainability and bringing people together through environmental action.
Following feedback from previous participants, the awards programme has been streamlined for 2026 and will focus on three themed categories. Community groups, charities, schools, ‘In Bloom’ groups and other community-led projects from across the Scottish Borders are all encouraged to take part.
Projects can be entered into more than one category where they meet the relevant criteria.
The awards are open to a wide range of community-led initiatives, including voluntary groups, charitable organisations, schools, community gardens, ‘In Bloom’ groups and independent local projects making a positive difference in their area.
All submissions will be assessed by an independent judging panel. Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates will be awarded in each category, alongside a Best in Category award for the highest-scoring entry in each theme.
The deadline for entries is Friday 7th August 2026.
Judging will take place in mid-August, with an awards ceremony planned for late September to celebrate the achievements of participating groups and projects from across the Borders.
The same project can be entered into multiple award categories if it meets the relevant criteria, giving entrants the opportunity to showcase different aspects of their work.
Further information, including eligibility details, award criteria and application forms, is available on the Scottish Borders Council Greener Gateway Community Awards webpage.
Whether supporting wildlife, growing food locally or demonstrating innovative sustainability practices, the awards offer an opportunity for community projects to gain recognition for the valuable work they do to enhance the environment and strengthen local communities.
