Scotland’s High Street Heroes have been honoured for the remarkable ways in which they have helped their communities during the coronavirus crisis.
A convenience store which opened around the clock, a group which supplied hundreds of key workers with bicycles, a community fruit and veg social enterprise and a shopkeeper who became the “go to” man locally are among those celebrated with High Street Heroes Awards.
Regional champions have been recognised in each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas – alongside others highly commended – after more than 1,200 nominations, covering hundreds of people, were made as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.
Scotland’s Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell today praised each and every one of them for their efforts, saying: “I would like to thank these High Street Heroes for going the extra mile to help their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am pleased the Scottish Government has been able to support these awards through our funding for Scotland’s Towns Partnership. They typify the kind of community spirit that has supported people and improved lives.
“This has been a difficult year for all of us, and the only way we will get through is by sticking together, being kind, and offering help where it is needed. The fact that these awards received more than 1,200 nominations just shows how much people have appreciated those who have pulled together to help one another.”
The awards highlight the tremendous difference that local people and businesses – along with the safe support of them – have made to peoples’ lives throughout Covid-19. A roll of honour of all nominees has been published at https://lovelocal.scot/high-street-heroes/..
From Orkney, our very own Chairperson, Duncan McLean and BID Consultant, Laura Bruce both received the Champion award.
Laura Bruce, BID Consultant, said, "Since Kirkwall BID started in 2013, we feel it’s helped bring lots of buzz and business back to our town centre. Mostly we’ve focused on creating exciting events and fun promotions. We never imagined we’d have to help our members cope with something as serious as a pandemic. When the virus first hit, we realised it was going to have an enormous impact on Kirkwall, not least because a whole eco-system of businesses depends on tourism - and that disappeared overnight. BIDS has done its very best to help, and we're proud to have our efforts recognised in this way."
Duncan McLean, BID Chair, added, "We’re delighted to receive this award. As Chair, I'd like to thank all the BID board, and especially our part-time but fully-enthusiastic staff Laura Bruce, Melanie Miller, our current manager, and Kelly Kirkness, our previous manager as well as Sally Laughton our Social Media Assistant. The way I see it, every business in Kirkwall is a High Street Hero. They’ve had to battle a totally unexpected catastrophe to keep their
businesses afloat. All have worked hard, and many have reinvented what they do in imaginative ways that serve the changing needs of our community. BID have been cheerleaders for our town, and it’s great to have someone giving us a cheer with this award!"
Some other fantastic businesses were also commended, all of which are Kirkwall BID Members!
We'd like to congratulate William Shearers, Argo's Bakery and WHB Sutherland's Pharmacy as members who received the Highly Commended awards. High Street Hero Awards were also announced for Starlings and The Wellpark Garden Centre. The Kirkwall BID team thank all those who nominated, and extend their own thanks to the fantastic BID businesses who have gone above and beyond in 2020.
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) with the support of the Scottish Government to help the country’s response to the pandemic by urging people to think local first for all their shopping and service needs.
STP’s Chief Officer, Phil Prentice, said: “The dedication with which people across Scotland have supported those around them during the pandemic has been remarkable. We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on the amazing difference that our High Street Heroes have made and thank them for all they have done.
“They are an inspiration – local people helping their communities and customers like never before. They highlight the vital part that high street businesses play in our lives and why we must support them to ensure they continue to be there for us.”
