A GALASHIELS councillor is in the running for a major national award.

Euan Jardine, who is the executive member for culture and sport at Scottish Borders Council, has been shortlisted for the Rural Community Champion at the forthcoming LGiU Scotland Councillor Awards.

The son of a shepherd, who is one of nine children, became a councillor for the first time in May, 2017.

He will be joined at the awards ceremony in Edinburgh by Tweeddale councillor Shona Haslam, who has made the Leader of the Year shortlist.

Around 100 nominations were received for the eight categories - Urban Community Champion, Rural Community Champion, Innovation and Digital, Champion for Education, Environmental Impact, Lifetime Contribution, New Councillor of the Year and Leader of the Year.

The Councillor Awards are the only national awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of individual councillors across Scotland.

Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of LGiU, said: "For the second year running, LGiU is proud to honour the hard work of councillors across Scotland that so often goes unrecognised.

"This year’s shortlist showcases the achievements of the best and brightest councillors across Scotland.

"These councillors deliver for their communities in increasingly challenging and hostile times.

"Despite all of that and more, their determination and resolve has left their communities safer, stronger and healthier, thanks to their efforts.

"We would like to congratulate all of those councillors shortlisted and look forward to announcing the winners at the end of November.”

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges and announced on Thursday, November 28 at Edinburgh City Chambers.