Forres is one of three towns in Scotland in line to win the Digital Community category of the Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Scotland’s Towns Partnership announced the shortlist which also includes Inverurie and Forth Valley, in the third round of their annual awards scheme
The nomination cites the work of Forres Local and Visit Forres, which consists of two websites, an app, three Facebook pages and business initiatives such as the Forres Local Business Network, and the Forres Loves Local campaign.
The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of Scotland Loves Local, the drive for people to build stronger communities by choosing local and getting behind people and organisations in their area.
The achievements of all of those shortlisted will be celebrated at a ceremony to be held at The V&A Dundee on Tuesday 28 November, hosted by popular STV presenter Sean Batty.
The focus on local
Forres Local and Visit Forres will go head-to-head with the “Like a Local” campaign from Forth Valley Food and Drink, and Lokali.shop, an ecommerce platform in Inverurie.
Managing director Marc Hindley said: “In this day and age, digital assets are essential for promoting places, not only as destinations to drive tourism, but also to create a local resource.
“Our combination of websites, social pages, apps, newsletters, directories and events listings has obviously caught the eye of the judges. Our website page views, search engine presence, consistent use of hashtags and social reach all pool together to create a cohesive message that Forres is a place worth shouting about.”
He also commented that when the organisation became a community interest company in 2018, there was no ‘vehicle’ championing the cause of local businesses, and this was one of the key drivers to create a platform that would not only promote the town, but also the businesses that make it what it is.
“You hear so much doom and gloom about town centres, but underneath the surface, is a thriving, vibrant passionate ecosystem of business owners hypothetically pumping blood through the town’s veins.
“Small businesses are the reason high streets exist. Supporting businesses supports communities, and by covering business news extensively, we are hopefully helping them with our platforms.
“Business news is local news, and when Forres Local started in 2018, there was no organisation offering free publicity at this level. We’re very proud to have built a rapport with those that value what we do.
Film-friendly
“Last month, Moray Media CIC launched an exciting new partnership project, another digital asset to make the area film-friendly – Screen Moray – which will provide a database of places and spaces that can be hired or used as film and TV locations, as well as providing listings of businesses that can accommodate and service film crews and productions companies.
“And there are more projects to launch. We’re working with partners to bring these to market, however as a small team of volunteers, we need to work through them one step at a time. But as the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
“We’re hugely proud to have been shortlisted for this award, and it’s a testament to the hard work we’ve put into it. We’re looking forward to the awards night now, and keeping our fingers crossed.”
STP Interim Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Our team never fails to be amazed by the dedication, determination and innovation which make our communities great – and are making them stronger for the future. Our shortlisted entries fly the flag for creativity, entrepreneurship, sustainability and so much more.
“I can’t wait to hear more about the difference they make. My thanks to our sponsors for making these awards possible.”
Shortlisted entries for all awards
Climate and Net Zero
- Gauchalland East Community Gardens, Galston
- Dalrymple, Skeldon and Hollybush Project
- Ibrox Commons, Glasgow
Creative Community
- Art Night, Dundee
- Energise Galashiels Trust
- Scene Stirling
Digital Community
- “Like a Local” campaign, Forth Valley Food and Drink
- Lokali.shop, Inverurie
- Forres Local and Visit Forres – Moray Media CIC
Enterprising Communities
- Include Me 2 Club, Barrhead
- GALE Centre, Gairloch
- The Furniture Project, Stranraer
Place Leader
- Diane Brown, Alloa First
- Ross Grant, Aberdeen Inspired
- Dr Michael Gray, Energise Galashiels
Streets and Spaces
- Craigie Street Pocket Park, Dundee
- Gateway to Strathclyde Country Park, Bellshill
- Inchyra Park, Grangemouth
Town Centre Living
- Almondvale Court, Livingston (West Lothian Council / Cruden Homes)
- Merchant House, Inverness (Highland Housing Association)
- Simon Square, Edinburgh (Fraser / Livingstone Architects)
Scotland’s High Street Hero will also be announced on the awards evening.
The awards are supported by Business Stream, Creative Scotland, Green Action Trust, Message Matters, Miconex and Sustrans Scotland.
For more information about the awards and the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, go to www.lovelocal.scot. You can also follow #ScotlandLovesLocal and #SLLawards on social media.
