Five Scottish towns have been shortlisted for Scotland’s Town of the Year.
Paisley, winner of the 2025 accolade, is set to pass on the honour to either East Kilbride, Falkirk, Fort William, Inverurie or Kirkwall.
Towns across the country were shortlisted after being nominated as part of the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) and supported by the Scottish government, the awards aim to recognise all that’s great about the nation’s towns and neighbourhoods and encourages people to create a better future for their community by choosing local.
Paisley won last year after judges recognised the town’s resurgence amid unprecedented investment in its future, including a new state-of-the-art secondary school and the new look Paisley Museum due to reopen early 2027.
Paisley-born STV weather presenter Sean Batty – a Paisley “Buddie” - celebrated the title win with community champions.
The inaugural honour was presented to Oban in 2024. This years winners will be announced next month.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s chief officer, said: “The Scotland Loves Local Awards are one of the highlights of our year.
“Well done to each of the places and projects shortlisted – and to all of the people involved. Each of them is a fantastic example of innovation, determination and local action improving lives in communities.”