Nominees have tackled graffiti and other forms of anti-social behaviour

The 16 finalists in the Scottish Executive's Standing Up To Anti-social Behaviour Awards were selected from more than 100 entries.

They attended an awards ceremony at Edinburgh Castle on Wednesday evening.

The winners in the four categories received �5,000 for further anti-social behaviour work.

The three runners-up in each category received �1,000 in the awards, which were sponsored by the Co-op.

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said behind the nominations were stories of commitment, determination and courage.

"The actions of these people have helped restore a culture of respect in communities up and down the country, helping us all to build a safer, stronger Scotland," he said.

The group chief executive of the Co-operative Group, Martin Beaumont, added: "The recipients of these awards are inspiring examples of what can be done and they have our full support."

Abbeyview Junior Wardens Scheme, Dunfermline, Fife

Above and beyond category

A scheme that teaches young people about personal and social issues, including the cost of hoax calls to the fire service and problems caused by vandalism.

Local schools claim there has been an improvement in the behaviour of pupils who have completed the scheme and incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area have decreased.

Kirkcaldy High School, Kirkcaldy, Fife

Above and beyond category

The school has set up a number of initiatives to raise pupils' awareness of anti-social behaviour, including crime update notice boards and competitions.

Some pupils have been taken out on patrol with police offers to learn more about the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

The number of racial incidents in the area has since dropped.

Betty Watson MBE, Edinburgh

Individuals category

Betty Watson has chaired the local tenants and residents association in Broomhouse since 1997.

She has helped raise money to build a skate park and a community garden. She has also organised a range of activities for local young people.

Lorna Arthur, Edinburgh

Individuals category

Lorna Arthur stood up to an anti-social family in her area, by giving evidence in support of the council's application to have the family evicted.

Despite direct threats and stress-related angina, Mrs Arthur gave evidence for three days. The sheriff described Mrs Arthur's evidence as "credible and reliable".

Tranent Football Project, Tranent, East Lothian

Young people category - overall category winner

A group of young people, labelled a "negative influence" in the area, became instrumental in a number of community initiatives.

With the support of their youth worker, they cleaned up a football ground and organised football games with other teams.

They also helped create a drop-in centre and have held discussion sessions with councillors, police and careers officers.

East Lothian neighbourhood outreach co-ordinator Douglas Ormston said the work had given the group "a positive way to channel their energies".

"By spending their time voluntarily in a constructive and positive manner, these young men have shown a willingness to be actively involved in both helping improve and taking an active part in their community," he said.

Elaine Webster, Headteacher, Auchenlodment Primary School, Johnstone, Renfrewshire

Above and beyond category

Ms Webster runs citizenship initiatives within her school to encourage improved community relations. She was also instrumental in setting up the Renfrewshire Council's first junior wardens scheme.

The scheme has contributed to a reduction in disorder and vandalism in the area.

Renfrewshire Neighbourhood Wardens, Paisley, Renfrewshire

Above and beyond category - overall category winner

Wardens, based in Ferguslie Park, have set-up and supported several projects including: a young wardens' board game, outdoor activities for young people, a community garden and fund-raising for a local youth club.

Kathy Tooke, Renfrewshire's neighbourhood warden co-ordinator, said the wardens had been doing things over and above their expected role.

"Their work on these projects helps them build up relationships with the kids and the rest of the community," she said.

"The presence and work of the neighbourhood wardens has also seen reductions in vehicle crime, housebreaking, vandalism and fire-raising."

Generation Youth, North Lanarkshire

Local group and projects category

The project, based in Coatbridge, worked with other agencies and individuals to provide free entertainment and activities for 12 to 17-year-olds, including a mobile recording studio.

Prior to the initiative, young people had been hanging around licensed premises, drinking alcohol and causing annoyance to residents.

Dochcarty Residents Association, Dingwall, Highlands

Local group and projects category - overall category winner

The group was instrumental in providing evidence for the creation of a dispersal zone which saw a dramatic drop in the number of anti-social behaviour incidents reported.

Its work has also led to �10,000 worth of improvements in the area, including better access and lighting.

Dochcarty Residents Association chairwoman Anne Logie said people were just sick and tired of what was going on.

"The dispersal zone gave us the breathing space and the motivation to be less tolerant of anti-social behaviour," she said.

"People are now talking more to each other, we feel the police are listening to us and there's a strong sense of community that wasn't there before."

Tullos Primary Eco-Council, Aberdeen

Young people category

The children have helped tackle the nuisance of dog mess in the local area.

They undertook a survey and an audit to gauge opinion and the extent of the problem. They then set up a number of initiatives, including creating and distributing a leaflet and organising a dog show.

Zone 98, Tarves, Aberdeenshire

Young people category

The group supported a number of initiatives, including a skate park, in the area to tackle vandalism and large groups congregating in streets.

There has since been a fall in the amount of anti-social behaviour incidents and youth-related crime.

Upper Nithsdale Youthwork Forum, Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway

Local group and projects category

The forum works with young people to organise regular events and workshops.

It liaises with local agencies and the police to help tackle car-racing, littering, graffiti and property damage.

Association of the Residents of Cliffburn and Hayshead, Arbroath, Angus

Local group and projects category

The group has joined forces with other organisations and young people to develop a street football initiative. It has also raised funds to improve park facilities.

Elma Mitchell, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire

Individuals category

Elma Mitchell has "rescued" an unused town hall, which had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour. She set up a company to buy the hall and has prevented it from falling into ruin.

Morag Buck, Alva, Clackmannanshire

Individuals category - overall category winner

Mrs Buck has worked closely with the council's anti-social behaviour team and the police to help evict some anti-social residents.

She provided evidence in court and encouraged her neighbours to stand up against the problems.

Mrs Buck said: "Ultimately the biggest reward is the peace we now have, people can go about their own business and children are now playing in the street - they simply couldn't do that before."

Stuart McQueen, of the Clackmannanshire anti-social behaviour Liaison and Mediation team, praised Mrs Buck's involvement.

"It takes great courage to actually come forward and approach an authority to complain about anti-social behaviour, particularly where you may have been directly subject to that," he said.

Tullibody Junior Challenge Group, Tullibody, Clackmannanshire

Young people category

The young people made a film to demonstrate the issues surrounding graffiti and large groups congregating in streets. They also developed a community banner to symbolise aspects of their cause.