Inverness BID’s hard work is highly commended in national competition to find Scotland's high street heroes who went the extra mile during the coronavirus lockdown
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A campaign which ran in the Inverness Courier and was organised by Inverness BID has helped the city centre business organisation gain a highly commended award.
Getting Inverness Back To Business ran over a number of weeks during the summer aimed at encouraging people to get back into the city centre.
High street heroes in Alness, Inverness and Nairn have also been recognised as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.
Scotland Loves Local was launched to help the country’s response to the pandemic by thinking local first for all shopping and service needs.
It was organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) to highlight the remarkable dedication and efforts made to help communities through Covid-19 pandemic.
The regional champion award for the Highlands went to Carolyn Wilson, of Victoriana Florist and Gifts, Alness and Inverness BID received the highly commended award.
Judges were told that Inverness BID’s support had been invaluable to members and they had “diligently disseminated the Government’s announcements and guidance” in a simple, easy to understand format to all the city centre businesses on an almost daily basis.
The nomination added: “The BID successfully mounted an enormous social media campaign to promote the essential businesses which were able to continue to trade as well as promoting positive stories on the city centre to encourage the public to return to the city centre after lockdown.”
Reacting to the news, Inverness BID chairman Peter Strachan said: “Inverness Business Improvement District (BID) is delighted to have been highly commended in the national High Street Heroes Awards.
“The small BID team has worked tirelessly on behalf of our businesses in Inverness city centre during these very challenging times and we appreciate the recognition the award brings. I would also extend my thanks to the Scottish Towns Partnership for their support and for their High Street Heroes initiative.”
The Dolphin Chip Shop and Crafty Wee Birdie, both in Nairn, were also highly commended.
STP’s chief officer, Phil Prentice, said: “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.”
