The search to find the best churches in Scotland has begun.

Nominations are now open to find 15 winners across five categories for The National Church Awards 2024, which recognise achievements in conservation, tourism and volunteer work.

The event, dubbed the "BAFTA for churches", celebrates the dedication, care and impact of the people who care for the UK’s wonderful church buildings and who share them with others.

Entries are welcomed from churches, chapels and meeting houses across Scotland which are currently open for worship, including those without a permanent place of worship.

And for the many church groups in the UK that don’t have a dedicated space for worship, nominations can still be made through the Volunteer and Lifetime Achievements categories. 

An expert panel of judges will review all entries, selecting around 45 finalists and 15 winners.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: "We invite anyone connected to a place of worship to look over the categories and consider entering their building or their volunteers.

"Last year we saw over 200 nominations and we would love to get close to 300 this year."

Awards will be presented at a prestigious ceremony held in the chapter house of Lincoln Cathedral on October 22, an event which will also be live-streamed. 

At the end of the ceremony the 2024 Church of the Year will be revealed: one church among the winners that the judges feel fulfils its potential and makes a mark on its community and beyond.

In selecting this overall winner, judges are also looking for a sustainable church, one that is relevant, looked after, in good repair, in use and open for all.

Winning churches will take home rewards including prize money from £500 to £750, a display plaque and, for group winners, the award itself, hand-crafted in Morley Grey Yorkstone. 

Nominations are made through the website of the award’s organisers, the National Churches Trust, with a closing date of Saturday, August 31.

For more information about the awards, visit The National Churches Trust website at nationalchurchestrust.co.uk.