Argyll and Bute Council has been shortlisted for a top national award.

It has reached the final of the Personnel Today Awards 2017 in the Award for Excellence in Public Sector HR category.

It is one of nearly 100 organisations and individuals who have made the shortlist for the annual awards, which recognise and reward excellence in employers.

Policy Lead for Corporate Services, Councillor Rory Colville, said: “I’m delighted we have been chosen as a finalist in these major and prestigious awards.

“The calibre of those on the shortlist is extremely high and we are up there with some of the biggest names in the UK, from across the public and private sector.

“It’s a terrific achievement and we’ll be one of the few organisations flying the flag for Scotland at the final.

“A great organisation is made by the people it employs, and Argyll and Bute Council has some of the very best.

“This nomination is testament to their hard work and commitment.

“Congratulations to everyone and the best of luck in the final.”

Also nominated in the Award for Excellence in Public Sector HR category are British Business Bank, NHS Supply Chain, Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, OneSource, Thurrock Council, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust and Worcestershire Council.

Other organisations on the 21 shortlists include household names such as Mercedes-Benz, Barclays and Great Western Railways.

Winners will be announced in London on 21 November.  The Awards, in association with XpertHR, are hosted each year by a surprise guest host. Recent hosts have included Gaby Roslin, Claudia Winkleman, Jack Dee and Rob Brydon. Judges are industry leaders in the field of HR.