A group of representatives from the town attended an Oscar-style ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last Thursday to hear that the Dunbar Community Development Company achieved success in two categories — the environment and community life.

It received commended certificates after being shortlisted in the competition which attracted more than 100 entries from communities spanning the length and breadth of Scotland, and had also hoped to win the business, older and young people sections. Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm attended.

Hamish Husband, Manager of Calor Scottish Community of the Year, said: "Dunbar is a strong cohesive community with a real commitment to sustainability.

"Particularly impressive is the community's environmental and conservation projects as well as the Hallhill Healthy Living Centre which provides great opportunities and activities for the whole community."

Development company

Councillor Norman Hampshire said: "We are delighted to be commended as this is the first time we have entered the competition and feel as things progress at Hallhill and there are new developments, we will enter the competition next year and hopefully win the top award."

He explained that in relation to the environment, a project for renewable energy at the centre involved provision of solar panels and wind turbines, and the development company had also given support to provide a path network at East Linton and the John Muir Way.

Councillor Hampshire said the healthy living centre has seen an increased number of people participating in sport and other activities.

Stephen Bunyan, chairman of Dunbar Community Council, commended the development trust for all that it has done in the town.

Overall winner was Cornton Community Council and Cornton Action Partnership.