COUNCILLOR Euan Jardine has been highly commended for his work in the community at this year's Councillor Awards.

Councillor Jardine, who has been a councillor since 2017, was shortlisted as a finalist in the rural community champion category at the second-annual Councillor Awards held in Edinburgh last week.

He was nominated alongside councillor Shona Haslam (Tweeddale), who was put forward for leader of the year.

This category was won by councillor John Alexander (Dundee City) at the ceremony on Thursday, November 28.

Although the award for rural community champion was won by councillor Elena Whitham (East Ayrshire), councillor Jardine was highly commended by LGiU Chief Executive, Jonathan Carr-West, for his work in the community.

Particularly, his engagement with local groups and activities, including the Men's Shed and the Gala Waterways Group.

Mr Carr-West added: "Tonight, we are incredibly proud to unveil this year’s Councillor Award winners, a group of individuals who truly showcase the best of local government.

"Their work to make our communities safer, stronger and healthier so often goes unrecognised. That is why it is important that we honour them this evening.

"I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to Councillor Jardine and thank him for his commitment to local government. We look forward to hearing more about his continued accomplishments in the future."

The Councillor Awards are the only awards to recognise the work done by councillors across Scotland.