The awards recognise great work across local government, with the winners announced at an online event on Thursday 24 February.

In the Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health category, the Together We Can team are one of three finalists.

In the Stronger Communities, especially in light of Covid category, the council have one of the finalists for delivering gypsy/traveller services during a pandemic.

And in the Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy category, the council are finalists thanks to the creation of a network of local nature reserves.

Council Leader John Ross said: “Congratulations to all three teams in becoming finalists for these prestigious awards, it is recognition of the hard work and skills of the teams. I wish them every luck in their respective categories and hopefully we will be celebrating more success for South Lanarkshire.”

Chief Executive Cleland Sneddon added: “I am delighted that the work of the teams has been recognised in this way. As a council we have faced some very challenging times over the past couple of years because of the global pandemic, but being shortlisted for these awards shows how hard employees have been working during this period.”