THE team behind Dunfermline's Fire Station Creative are in the running for a national award.

Ian Moir, John Park, Billy George, Christopher McBay, John Gibson and Sarah Young have been shortlisted for Arts & Business Scotland’s (A&BS) Fundraising Excellence Award.

Fire Station Creative was opened on July 11 last year by John Byrne and is now a highly-profitable business with the gallery receiving more than 200 visitors per day and all 20 artists’ studios occupied.

A&BS Chief Executive David Watt said: “This year’s shortlist is a fantastic reflection of the innovation and creativity which exists between the cultural and business sectors, contributing to a thriving and vibrant cultural offering here in Scotland."

For the first time, the Awards will recognise an individual or team which has made a significant contribution to the fundraising efforts of an arts, cultural or heritage organisation.

The Fire Station Creative’s Board are in the running along with individuals from the National Theatre of Scotland and National Museums Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway-based Alex McQuiston, from Absolute Classics, and James F McKellican, from Dundee’s Friends of the Caird Hall Organ, for the coveted title of Fundraising Excellence.

David Watt added: “Given the financial pressures facing arts, cultural and heritage organisations it makes perfect sense that we should celebrate the outstanding efforts made by fundraising teams and individuals. This is the first time we have included this category and we’re delighted to see such a varied shortlist both in terms of size, objectives and geographical spread.”

The awards party will take place at Glasgow Royal Concert Halls in the New Auditorium on Thursday, March 23.