The Awards recognise the difference that Lottery-funded projects – both big and small – make to local communities.

The semi-finalists have been shortlisted for the big difference they have made with Lottery money, and Scots are being urged to cast a vote, from Tuesday 31 May, to help them make it through to the final.

The Briggait, Glasgow – competing for Best Arts Project
The project used Lottery funding to restore and transform Glasgow’s Grade A listed former fish market (dating back to 1873) into art studios, exhibition spaces, office space and a public courtyard. The Briggait is now home to over 70 visual artists and art organisations, many of whom did not have a studio before they were able to relocate to the building. 

The Dalriada Project, Argyll – competing for Best Environment Project
The Dalriada Project has helped to conserve and enhance the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Dalriada landscape in Argyll. The scheme delivered 10 related projects across the area, including woodland management, habitat creation for black grouse, archaeological surveys and excavations and provided innovative interpretation and improved access to the area’s heritage.

There are seven categories in the Awards each reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts; sport; heritage; health; environment, education (in association with Best magazine), charity and voluntary. The winning project in each of the categories will receive national recognition at a star-studded event later this year, broadcast on BBC One, as well as a £2,000 cash prize  to spend on their project.

This year’s National Lottery Awards are supported by Lottery Draw Show presenter Jenni Falconer. She says: “I love The National Lottery Awards because they really pay tribute to all the unsung heroes, selfless volunteers and dedicated workers across the UK who are using Lottery funding to make a real difference to local people, places and communities.

“National Lottery players raise a massive £28million a week for charities and groups - big and small - across the UK. Everyone who plays the Lottery should feel proud that they have helped such a wide variety of projects – including arts, sport, heritage and community groups – there’s quite literally something for everyone.

“Now it's your chance to have your say and vote for your favourite. Please get behind your local projects and vote to get them through to the final - every vote counts!"

Notes to editors

The Dalriada Project received £1,670,600 of Lottery funding from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The Briggait received £795,000 of Lottery funding from Heritage Lottery Fund. Plus £1,732,590 of Lottery funding from Creative Scotland (including Scottish Arts Council & Scottish Screen).

• Calls cost no more than 5p from a BT landline. Calls from other networks may vary, calls from mobiles could cost considerably more. Callers are advised to check with their telephone network provider to be certain of the cost. No profit will be made from the cost of the phone vote by The National Lottery

• All voting will be independently adjudicated and verified by Electoral Reform Services

Semi-Finals
• There are a total of 70 projects in the semi-finals - 10 in each of the seven categories
• The public can vote from 9am on Tuesday 31 May June and any vote cast before midday on Monday 20 June will be counted
• The three projects with the most votes in each category will go through to the final round of public voting

Finals
• There will be a total of 21 projects in the finals - three in each of the seven categories
• There will be only one winner in each category. The seven winners will be announced during a special BBC One television programme transmitted later in the year.

Further information

For further information please contact Sarah Myers at The National Lottery Promotions Unit on 0141 242 1414 or sarah.myers@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.