Scotland's Towns

SLL Week 2026 - How will you be celebrating?

The week is all about flying the flag for local businesses in our communities.

Here are some ways in which your business or organisation can get involved…

🎉 The High Street Hero for North East Scotland has been announced!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Carolyn Powell, Joint General Manager of Huntly Development Trust, named the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards High Street Hero for North East Scotland! 🌟

Carolyn was the driving force behind the transformation of the former Cruickshank’s department store into Number 30 The Square - now a vibrant cinema, café, co-working centre and community hub. Her dedication over six years has turned an abandoned landmark into a thriving space that’s brought new energy and optimism to Huntly’s town centre. 🎬☕

💬 Carolyn said:
'To be nominated for the Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero award has been humbling and I am deeply honoured and delighted to receive it... The local community are the real stars.'

👏 Congratulations, Carolyn, on this well-deserved recognition of your vision, perseverance and commitment to Huntly’s regeneration.

Link to article 🔗 https://lovelocal.scot/carolyns-a-driving-force-behind-former-department-stores-transformation/

🎉The High Street Hero for Lothian has been named!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Paul Boyle of Boghall Butchers in Bathgate, who has been named the Scotland Loves Local Awards 2025 High Street Hero for Lothian!

With 50 years of dedication to customers across West Lothian, Paul’s commitment to his community is as strong as ever. From creating Britain’s award-winning kebab pie to flying the flag for UK food at a Japanese food fair, he has grown a successful business while staying loyal to his roots. 🥧

💬 “I am delighted to receive this award. I truly am blessed to have such amazing people behind me and fantastic customers to serve.”

West Lothian Council’s Executive Councillor, Susan Manion, added:

“It’s fantastic to see Paul and his Boghall Butchers team recognised for both the vital role they have at the heart of the local community, and creating a successful business that has represented the best of the UK internationally.”

👏 Congratulations to Paul for his commitment, passion, and remarkable 50-year legacy, a well-deserved recognition of a true High Street Hero!

Read more here 🔗 https://lovelocal.scot/boghall-butcher-pauls-perfect-recipe-for-community-success/

🎉 High Street Hero for the Highlands has been named!

We’re delighted to celebrate Angharad Rogers, Town Centres Development Manager at Moray Chamber of Commerce, who has been named the High Street Hero for the Highlands!🏆

Since joining the role in November 2023, Angharad has gone above and beyond to support local businesses across Moray. From helping traders save over £250,000 through business rates support, to championing Elgin businesses after the sudden closure of The St Giles Centre, her passion and commitment have made a tangible difference to communities and town centres alike.

💬 “I am delighted to receive this award. It is such an honour to be able to help businesses in the local area. It is great to see new businesses move to larger premises and to keep established businesses within the seven main towns in Moray.”

Moray Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Sarah Medcraf, said:

💬 “Angharad’s can-do attitude and ability to support businesses of all sizes has made her a worthy winner of this award. Moray is lucky to have her.”

👏 Congratulations to Angharad for her innovative initiatives, dedication, and unwavering support of Moray’s town centres, a truly deserved recognition!

Full article here 🔗 https://lovelocal.scot/a-true-champion-of-our-high-streets/

🎉High Street Hero for the Islands has been named!

We are thrilled to share that Joanne Williams the project assistant from Living Lerwick Ltd has won the High Street Hero Award for the Islands.

From sharing local stories and events to being a trusted ally for Lerwick’s traders, Joanne truly embodies what community spirit is all about.

💬 “I’m delighted to be awarded the High Street Hero Award. It’s been an honour to work with such great businesses in our town centre and play a part in supporting our fantastic High Street.”

The team at Living Lerwick agree, Emma Miller Project Manager, said:

“Joanne is a well-known face in Lerwick town centre, always there for anyone who needs support. I’m so pleased she’s been recognised with this award.”

Huge congratulations to Joanne for her commitment, creativity, and passion in championing Lerwick’s town centre businesses, a well-deserved recognition! 👏

Article here 🔗 https://lovelocal.scot/its-an-honour-to-work-with-such-great-businesses/

🎉Glasgow’s High Street Hero has been named!

Huge congratulations to The Boardwalk, operated by Impact Arts, named the 2025 Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero for Glasgow 🌟

Located in Glasgow’s Merchant City, The Boardwalk is more than a venue, it’s a vibrant hub where creativity, social enterprise and opportunity come together. From performances and rehearsals to workshops and conferences, every event supports Impact Arts’ life-changing programmes across Scotland.

By reinvesting profits into creative initiatives that help people of all ages thrive, The Boardwalk is proving how the arts can power regeneration, inclusion and community pride.

👏 Well done to everyone at Impact Arts for showing how imagination and collaboration can make our city centres stronger and more inspiring places for all.

Read the full article here 📎 https://lovelocal.scot/award-joy-for-merchant-city-arts-venue-helping-to-transform-lives/

🎉 Mid Scotland and Fife’s High Street Hero has been named!

Congratulations to Margaret Ferguson, owner of MM Ferguson in Alyth, who has been named the 2025 Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero for Mid Scotland and Fife 💙

For more than 50 years, Margaret has been at the heart of her community, serving generations of customers with care, conversation and commitment. Her shop has become more than a place to buy produce; it’s a friendly space where neighbours connect and friendships thrive.

At 85, Margaret says running the shop “doesn’t feel like work, it’s like a hobby,” a reflection of her true passion for people and place.

👏 A huge well done to Margaret - a shining example of the dedication, warmth and community spirit that make our high streets so special.

Read the full article here 📎 https://lovelocal.scot/margarets-commitment-to-her-community-is-celebrated/

🎉 Central Scotland’s High Street Hero has been named!

Congratulations to Malcolm Thomas-Harley, Manager of Hamilton Our Town (Business Improvement District), who has been recognised as this year’s High Street Hero for Central Scotland in the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards 👏

Malcolm’s creativity, enthusiasm and dedication are helping to transform Hamilton’s town centre, from boosting footfall, supporting local traders, and delivering vibrant events like Summerfest Hamilton, monthly markets, and the town’s first community pantomime.

Since 2020, he’s helped inspire growth, pride and positivity across the community 👑

💙 “This award really belongs to Hamilton’s business community,” Malcolm said. “With local support, collaboration and investment, I know we can achieve an exciting future together.”

Congratulations, Malcolm - for your inspiring commitment to your community 🌟

Read the full article here 📎 https://lovelocal.scot/hamilton-our-towns-malcolm-is-hailed-as-a-high-street-hero/

🎉 The Our Garnock Valley initiative has received the Judges’ Special Scotland Loves Local Award celebrating a bold, community-led vision for the future of three North Ayrshire towns working together 💙

Described as “next generation regeneration,” the project brings local people, councils and organisations together to tackle shared challenges, from transforming empty buildings and improving transport links to boosting enterprise and creating opportunities for young people.

At its heart is a shared goal to create a thriving place for living, working, visitor and investing, making the Garnock Valley an even better place for residents, businesses and visitors.

👏Confratulations to everyone involved for showing what’s possible when communities unite behind a common vision for change.

Read the full article here 🔗 https://lovelocal.scot/our-garnock-valley-vision-can-inspire-communities-across-scotland/