THE newly refurbished Town Hall in Saltcoats is set to battle it out for a top award.

Saltcoats Town Hall is among eight finalists in Scotland in the running to win one of the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence.

The Awards for Planning Excellence are the most established and respected awards in the UK planning industry.

Stefano Smith, RTPI Scotland Convenor said: “It is an honour for these entries to be listed as finalists given the fierce competition. The shortlist reflects the hard work and dedication put into the projects and recognises the positive impact planning has on the area. As a finalist they are getting the national and international recognition they deserve.”

Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet member for Economy, said: “This is great news and justified recognition for the hard work that has gone into giving a new lease of life to a historic landmark.

“The RPTI Awards celebrate excellence in planning across the United Kingdom and the judges have put the transformation of the Saltcoats Town Hall right up there with the very best.

“It is one of only two projects in Scotland to be shortlisted so everyone involved in the restoration of this famous building should be very proud.”

The Awards ceremony will be held at The Barbican, London on June 15.