Ivan McKee, MSP, and Minister for Public Finance was in Glenrothes last Thursday to present the award to the team.

Judges at the Scottish Planning Innovation Awards were impressed by service’s approach to addressing the need for more planners to join the profession, and they scooped the People category award.

The team formed partnerships with the University of Dundee and Fife College, including inputting to the College curriculum, that culminated with the creation of temporary posts for graduates and work placements to give some hands on experience working in a planning authority.

Fife Council’s spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, Councillor Altany Craik, said: “This award is a great achievement and testament to the planning service’s hard work and dedication to their workforce.

“I’m proud that they’ve received this recognition from the judging panel.”

Kevin Treadwell, planning service manager, added: “The People Category of the Scottish Planning Innovation Award celebrates excellence in workforce development, training and innovation. We’re honoured to be recognised among the best in the industry with our innovative approach to creating new pathways into the planning profession and addressing the shortage of planners joining the profession”