Aberdeen City Council could soon be crowned the best in the UK.
The Granite City has been shortlisted for the overall council of the year in service delivery award.
The city is one of seven finalists in this year’s Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) list of honours.
Last night, the council leader praised staff across the city for their role in helping the authority be shortlisted.
Councillor Jenny Laing said: “This is a fantastic accolade to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award and beating other councils from across the UK.
“It’s such a testament to the hard work carried out by our frontline staff that so many of our services have made it to the shortlist, and now the ‘council of the year’ award.
“It’s also shows the achievements by our many community partners and the public who help us deliver these frontline services.”
Council staff have also been shortlisted in four other categories for their innovative approaches to community empowerment, renewable energy, and support for the homeless.
Among the initiatives that have been nominated are the £21million hydrogen bus scheme and the multimillion-pound homeless centre project on West North Street.
The winner will be announced at the APSE Annual Service Awards Charity Dinner in Londonderry on September 8.