Scotland Loves Local Support local businesses

YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU! Ian and Rena Watson, of Cullen Bay Hotel

This is the year that will forever remain challenges faced because of the coronavirus firmly ingrained in our memories. It has pandemic. been a testing year for each and every business, be it small or large, and the way that our communities have come together in support has been heart-warming. Such commitments richly deserve to be recognised. Some of you will be aware of the efforts made by local businesses but, by the same token, there are many of you who will not have heard of some people’s contributions.

The High Street Heroes Awards have been Here, then, are some uplifting stories: presented as part of Scotland Loves Local, the Popular hoteliers Ian and Rena Watson, from campaign led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership the Cullen Bay Hotel, say they are “absolutely (STP) with the support of the Scottish delighted” after their commitment to the

Government to encourage people to support community was hailed as heroic. They were shops and services close to home whenever they named as regional champions for Moray in can. the Scotland Loves Local High Street Heroes

People across the region have been urged to Awards. think local first - whether in person or online Judges were told that “Ian and Rena prepared 12- to help local businesses battle through the and served free meals to the local communities

“Their dedication and commitment to the local communities was outstanding, working long days to provide free meals to the vulnerable and those who were shielding.”

“It’s thanks to local heroes like them and their initiative and support that many vulnerable people had access to hot free meals during a time of uncertainty.”

Reacting to the award news, the couple said modestly that “We are very fortunate to have been in a position where we were able to help those in the community during the lockdown. We are very appreciative of all individuals, businesses and organisations who contributed to our endeavours. “We never sought recognition. However, to be recognised in this way is very humbling.”

A pair of green-fingered volunteers, a group congratulated for never giving up and a woman who has been flying the flag for Moray’s shops have also been recognised. Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) was highly commended for its widespread community work. Their nomination stated: “During Covid, FACT has helped with food parcels, shopping, collecting prescriptions, telephone befriending and computer help. Thank you for never giving up for our community.”

The same award went to Vince Lyon, 71, and 93-year-old Bert Logie, volunteers with Forres in Bloom whose hard work in the greenhouses next to Grant Park means the town boasts fabulous floral displays. “They are both so reliable and wonderful examples of good citizens,” judges were told. The final highly commended award in the region went to Juliette Buchan, founder of the Moray Shop Local Facebook page, which became a hub for sharing information about shops and services that were operating during lockdown. Lifestyle MAG

It now has thousands of followers, with Juliette’s nomination stating: “She wanted to do something to support local business during a fast moving and unprecedented challenge, turning a collective feeling of helplessness into a positive collaboration of knowledge.”

High Street Heroes throughout Moray and across the country have been thanked for their hard work by Scotland’s Communities Cabinet Secretary, Aileen Campbell. STP’s chief officer, Phil Prentice, praised their amazing dedication as he urged people across Moray to make local businesses their first port of call when shopping - whether in store or digitally. The call not to overlook the online offerings of local businesses came after research by Scotland Loves Local confirmed the growing number of firms in Moray which have added to their services since the spring. Forty-three per cent of firms in the region that responded to a survey from the campaign said they had the capacity to take online orders - with 27 per cent of them having only made that possible since lockdown. And, with more shoppers nationally than ever expected to do their Christmas shopping amid efforts to control the spread of coronavirus, everyone is urged not to forget their local businesses when turning to the internet. Mr Prentice said: “Whether in person or online, it’s critical that we all think local first.” “Since the outbreak of coronavirus, many shops across Moray who’ve never traded online before have set up websites.”

“It’s critical for their immediate survival and the future of our high streets that we support local businesses whenever we can, whether physically or virtually. They need us now more than ever.”

Find out more about the Scotland Loves Local campaign at www.lovelocal.scot.