An award to recognise the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during Covid-19 has been launched by the Scottish Towns Partnership.
Nominations are being sought for the High Street Heroes awards as part of the nationwide campaign urging people to shop in their home town, Scotland Loves Local.
Special awards will be presented to honour the heroes of Scotland’s high streets to reward their dedication and determination to help those around them during the coronavirus crisis and to allow high streets to re-open safely when lockdown restrictions have been eased.
Nominate your local hero
Members of the public can nominate a local person, business or organisation which they feel has made a difference – from helping vulnerable neighbours to keeping town centres welcoming and safe as restrictions have eased.
The awards are being organised as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages shoppers across the country to think local first and back businesses in their own town centre or high street before travelling further afield or turning to online retail giants.
Forres has embraced the shop local message with its own campaign ‘Forres Loves Local’ which encourages everyone to start their shopping journey on their doorstep.
Nominations for the High Street Heroes Awards can be made at https://lovelocal.scot/high-street-heroes/. There, you can briefly share the details of the person, local business or organisation you would like to see rewarded and why.
Recognition
Nominations are open till 11 September. Everyone nominated will receive recognition from the Scotland Loves Local campaign. A selection of nominees chosen from across the country will also receive a special Scotland Loves Local prize and potential opportunities for local and national media coverage.
Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “For all that civic-minded citizens, business owners and local organisations in our town centres have done for us, now it’s time for us to do something for them.
“These are people who are at the heart of our communities. They go to remarkable lengths to support those around them – never more so than in recent months.
“Despite the challenges that they have faced, an amazing number have been at the heart of community responses, easing issues faced by their customers and neighbours, whether that be through making deliveries or even the simple act of regular phone calls to make sure that vulnerable people are well. Many have also contributed to ensuring our town centres are clean, safe and welcoming places to visit as lockdown restrictions have eased. We want to shine a spotlight on all that they have done.”
A critical part of the campaign is highlighting the fact that it’s the people behind the businesses which make our town centres special – not simply the buildings and shop units which are found on them.