Published Date: Jun 20th, 2023
A young Fife planner scooped the Scottish award for Young Planner of the Year at the RTPI Scotland Awards for Planning Excellence last week (15 June) in Glasgow.
Scottish Young Planner of the Year Sarah Purves started working with Fife Council after leaving high school in Fife, as a trainee planning assistant intern, and now plays an integral role in Planning Services. She leads on large scale planning applications and supports young people getting into planning in different ways, not just via university.
Fife Council was also shortlisted for Scottish Planning Authority of the Year with one of Scotland’s largest planning services and in recognition for the continuous improvement to how the service operates.
Cllr Altany Craik, spokesperson Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning said of Sarah’s award:
“We are all so proud of Sarah and everything she has and continues to achieve every day. She has been with us for many years, first as a student and now a full-time member of staff.”
“Our planners are incredibly hard-working and do so much for the creating quality places across Fife, so this award is a credit to the work she does.
“Fife is rich in urban and rural settlements, natural and built heritage, coast and countryside, and our planners work tirelessly to ensure that the lives of people who live here are enriched by sustainable plans.”
Pam Ewen, Head of Planning reflected on the achievement:
“I am really proud of all colleagues working within planning services, and those across the Council who support our work. I am delighted for Sarah. She is a fantastic role model for young planners in Fife and across the country. Being crowned Scottish Young Planner of the Year is a very deserving accolade for her.”
Sarah has also been entered into the UK national shortlist for Young Planner of the Year to be judged by the national judges.