A project that revitalised a long-standing derelict site at the entrance to Slamannan and improved the village centre has been shortlisted for a prestigious national regeneration award. Falkirk Council's £500,000 Slamannan Regeneration Project is among three finalists in the Improving Scotland's Places category at the 2026 SURF Awards.
Organised by SURF, Scotland's Regeneration Forum, in partnership with the Scottish Government, these awards have celebrated best practice in community regeneration across Scotland since 1998. An independent panel of 20 judges selected 15 projects across five categories this year, with three making the final shortlist in each.
Central to the Slamannan initiative was the former Royal Hotel, vacant for over two decades before its demolition in 2024. The site has since been redeveloped into a pocket park featuring wildlife-friendly planting, new seating, and interpretation panels. Improvements also extended to Slamannan Cross, with new paving, trees, seating, and planting. The village's historic clock was restored, two bronze lion's head plaques were reinstated, and a new power supply was installed to facilitate community events and temporary retail.
The Council acquired the former Royal Hotel in early 2024 through the Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme. Slamannan became the first local authority project in Scotland to benefit from this pilot scheme, with the Council purchasing the building for a nominal sum plus external costs.
The regeneration work was shaped by extensive consultation with the local community and marked the first project delivered through the Council's £3m Regeneration Fund. Councillor Paul Garner, Acting Leader of Falkirk Council, commented on the achievement, highlighting the investment's positive impact and the community's role in shaping the project.
“"To see a project in Slamannan shortlisted alongside regeneration work from across Scotland is a real achievement and recognition of the difference this investment has made. For more than 20 years, the former Royal Hotel was a source of frustration for local people. We now have a welcoming space at the entrance to the village, alongside improvements to Slamannan Cross that have restored important features and improved the heart of the village. Local people helped shape the project from the start, so this recognition is also testament to everyone who contributed their ideas and helped us get to this point."
Since the park's opening earlier this year, members of the Slamannan Library Garden Club have continued to maintain two raised borders within the park. Lauren Weiss, who led the group’s planting efforts, noted the park's establishment and enjoyment by the community. The club has also expanded its efforts to other areas, including planting at Limerigg Community Hall and installing new planters across the village, incorporating bug houses made with local nursery school children. Weiss emphasised the project's aim to foster community spirit beyond the initial regeneration.
Slamannan is competing in the Improving Scotland's Places category against Pigeon Park in Glasgow and Number 30 The Square in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. The SURF judging panel visited Slamannan on Tuesday 6 October 2026 to assess the project's impact firsthand. The category winner will be announced at the 2026 SURF Awards Presentation Dinner on Thursday 10 December 2026 at the Voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow.
