A Scotland-wide award scheme for outstanding examples of urban and rural development, is seeking entries from the Highlands and Islands.

The 2003 Dynamic Place Awards aim to recognise and reward visionary projects which are helping regenerate locations across the country

Awards are given in five categories - buildings; open spaces; making connections (both digital and transport); people/training development, and sustainability. Additional awards are also presented to the individual and team of the year.

Sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Enterprise, Communities Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, the awards attracted more than 100 entries last year, with the supreme award going to the Falkirk Wheel.

John Watt, the HIE network's acting director of strengthening communities said:  "There are many exciting regeneration projects taking place in the Highlands and Islands which deserve to be brought to the attention of the judging panel.  I would urge anyone from the Highlands and Islands who is involved in a project which meets the awards' criteria to seize this opportunity to win recognition for their achievements and their communities."

A panel of high profile judges, including horticulturist Carole Baxter, engineer Iain Hart, architectural expert Professor Andy MacMillan and representatives from the sponsors, will select a shortlist of approximately 35 entries in September.  The final winners will be announced in December, when broadcaster Lesley Riddoch, who compered last year's event, will be the guest speaker.

"The Dynamic Place Awards recognise excellence in many fields. Never mind mega projects, the face of Scotland is made up of many small features," said Lesley.

"The accessibility of a park; the skill of new design-based historic monuments; the cheerfulness and optimism of a hospital foyer; the cleverness of a plan to fell a forest without building new roads and ingenious ways of getting people back into employment have all qualified for the awards and won."

More information about the 2003 awards and application details are available by logging on to www.scottish-enterprise.com  Entries must be submitted by 22 August.