Alness High Street is Scottish Champion in GB Awards

19th November 2018

Highland Council has welcomed the news that Alness High Street has won Scottish Champion in the Great British High Street (GBHS) Awards announced in London (Thursday, 15 November 2018).

Highland Council Convener Cllr Bill Lobban welcomed the news, he said: "Congratulations to all those involved in the Alness entry for the Great British High Street Awards. Alness was recognised for its commitment to accessibility for all and street cleaning volunteers."

Local Councillor Carolyn Wilson was at the Award Ceremony which recognised the achievements of councils, businesses, community groups and volunteers.

Alness was 1 of 38 award finalists across Great Britain (6 of which were from Scotland).

The Alness nomination stated:"Shopkeepers and business owners in Alness work together to ensure they all offer something different, providing shoppers with variety, alongside old-fashioned service from helpful, caring staff. Every business in Alness adapted to offer disabled-friendly access in the 1990s, long before it became normal practice to do so. The Alness in Bloom group works hard to ensure an attractive high street and the general cleanliness of the area is maintained by a group of volunteers. Alness High Street has over 70 businesses, 96% of which are independent, an unusually high rate."

A leading light spear heading the Alness push to keep the High Street going is Councillor Carolyn Wilson. Carolyn Wilson has galvanised the town centre of Alness, establishing Alness in Bloom and creating a high street that the town can be proud of. Her foresight and hard work over the decades have helped to create a vibrant shopping experience for both the local community and visitors to the Highlands. Carolyn also owns four shops on the High Street and is heavily involved in initiatives to improve the infrastructure, cleanliness and general aesthetic of Alness High Street.

For further information visit: https://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-awards

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www.visit-alness.co.uk