Scotland’s Creative Place Awards

As part of the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, the country’s inspirational artistic talent is celebrated. In recognition of their creative and cultural strengths, three Scottish towns have received Creative Place status.

Wigtown - Scotland’s National Book Town

• Immerse yourself in the world of literature in the country's National Book Town in Dumfries & Galloway. Despite its small size, Wigtown boasts over 30 book-related businesses and hosts one of Scotland's most acclaimed book festivals each autumn.
  
• The Wigtown Book Festival, is the town's popular annual celebration of literature, held each October. It draws writers, poets and critics from across the world for a celebration of the written word.
  

West Kilbride - Scotland’s first Craft Town

• Discover a haven of arts and crafts in this picturesque town on the North Ayrshire coast. Scotland's Craft Town boasts eight craft studios and a gallery showcasing local craftsmen’s beautiful creations in everything from jewellery and pottery to weaving and basket-making. 
  
• The Barony Centre, in the heart of the town, has been transformed into a major exhibition and retail space, craft education workshop and masterclass suite and a café, and will act as a regional centre for promoting Scotland's fantastic craft and design.

St Andrews - Year of Celebration 2012

• One of Fife’s true delights, St Andrews is a town steeped in history, and is home to Scotland's oldest university, which celebrates its 600th anniversary in 2012.
  
• The town and surrounding area also has a rich cultural heritage and a packed cultural event programme, which this year included the Olympic Torch Relay and the World Saxophone Congress.
  
• Other unmissable events include the East Neuk Festival in June and a new music celebration, the St Andrews Voices in October.

Creetown and Huntly

• Creetown in Dumfries & Galloway and Huntly in Aberdeenshire, both received Special Awards for their creative programmes.