Scotland report hails work of Nairn Business Improvement District to boost visitor numbers
Work to boost visitor numbers in Nairn has been recognised in a leading new report.
The Pedestrian Pound Report, published this week, highlighted work by Nairn’s Business Improvement District which has helped it become “a thriving hub for visitors thanks to a bold programme of public realm improvements and community-focused events”.
The BID initiative has helped to draw significant crowds and increased the town’s profile through events such as the annual Countdown to Christmas and the classic car rally.
The 2022 Christmas switch-on saw 7800 attendees, including 600 first-time visitors, while the 2023 car rally attracted more than 10,000 people, with more than 80 per cent saying they would return to Nairn for other activities.
And the new report, produced by Living Streets and supported by Paths for All, said that Nairn’s successes demonstrate “how walkable town centres drive economic growth”.
"Making high streets and town centres more walkable increases time – and money – spent in those businesses," says Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive of Living Streets. "It's slowly being recognised – the majority (95 per cent) of London's Business Improvement Districts identify a good walking environment as important to business performance."
The report highlights encouraging data from Scottish towns, such as Nairn, where public space improvements and community events have significantly bolstered foot traffic.
Paths for All, Scotland’s national walking charity, said the report underscore the need to make walking a central feature of the country’s high streets.
Kevin Lafferty, chief executive of Paths for All, emphasised the broader benefits: "These findings show that when we put people first and make walking and wheeling the easiest, most natural choices, we don't just get an economic boost - we build communities that are happier, healthier, and more sustainable for everyone."
The report highlights said that 85 per cent of Scottish adults walk or wheel regularly, contributing to both economic and health benefits.
In Scotland alone, the health benefits from walking to work are valued at over £600 million annually in prevented deaths. Community-focused initiatives, such as the development of Nairn’s business improvement district, are encouraging residents to travel into town centres, with research showing that 56p of every £1 spent in community businesses stays in the local economy.
The report’s authors said its publication was timely, with investment in active and sustainable transport cut by £23.7 million by the Scottish Government this September. The authors argue the Pedestrian Pound provides an excellent case for these vital funds to be restored.
More than 3000 deaths are attributable to physical inactivity in Scotland, and significant health disparities persist between affluent and deprived areas. The report stresses that continued investment in walkable spaces is essential to bridge these divides.
The full report can be found at www.livingstreets.org.uk/policy-reports-and-research/pedestrian-pound.
