The council’s Early Years team was named the winner in the Delivering Excellence category of this year’s COSLA Excellence Awards, while Housing and Technical Resources took the Excellent People, Excellent Outcomes prize.

South Lanarkshire was the only council to win more than one prize, prompting the ceremony’s host, the broadcaster Sally Magnusson, to note that South Lanarkshire was “certainly on a roll!”

South Lanarkshire was also the joint most nominated council, with three finalists across all categories.

Council Chief Executive Cleland Sneddon said: “These COSLA awards are recognition of projects that have led the way across Scotland. They have made a really positive difference, and I am immensely proud of those involved.

“They represent two of countless examples that demonstrate the quality of public services delivered by this award-winning council every single day.”

The Early Years winner – Together We Can And We Will – has improved the life experiences and health outcomes of LGBT+ children and families. It challenged bigotry, prejudice and discrimination by providing a framework which teaches children to celebrate differences in an appropriate and sensitive manner.

The Housing and Technical Resources win was for their work delivering consistently high levels of customer services at the area’s two Gypsy/Traveller sites during the pandemic. Judges noted the service’s work in partnership with those living at the sites.

Council Leader John Ross said: “It is very satisfying to see South Lanarkshire lead the way, especially on two initiatives that provide models for the delivery of effective and compassionate services for groups that too often still find themselves marginalised.

“Our council prides itself on working with all of our residents, regardless of their backgrounds or needs, to provide the right services, in the right way, at the right time. These two examples really show that approach in very real and meaningful action.”

When the COSLA awards were “handed out” on Thursday – although the event was held virtually – South Lanarkshire’s Ground Services team was also in the running, as a finalist in the Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy category, thanks to the creation of a network of local nature reserves.