Scotland’s Towns Partnership has once again teamed up with environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful and The Herald on Sunday to find Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street.
Any organisation or individual can enter their high street, and so we call on local authorities, business improvement districts, development trusts, community councils and any other local group to apply. Groups that took part in the previous competition are also welcome to re-enter.
A vibrant, flourishing high street is often the beating heart of a local community. Through this competition we seek to celebrate towns, cities and villages that take pride in where they live, and highlight the groups who come together and work to change their communities for the better: making local places clean, attractive, accessible, sustainable, vibrant and inclusive for all to enjoy.
We’re encouraging you to nominate your local high street. Send us photos and tell us why you think your High Street is worthy of the award. We will then shortlist the entries and the public will get to vote and crown the winner. Shortlisted entries will gain significant national profile, and possible opportunities will be sought for the winner to present on work in their town at an event during 2019.
The winner of last year's competition was Forres in Moray, and you can view the 2017 shortlist at the competition webpage.
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How to enter To enter the Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street competition, send a short description (300 words max) of why your High Street deserves the award by email to [email protected]. The document can be either Word or PDF format. Please include one or two high resolution images of your High Street. The competition takes a broad understanding of the word “beautiful”. Entries will be judged on factors including horticultural achievement, public realm, environmental responsibility, community participation, and access and inclusivity. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 30 September. Entries will be shortlisted and the winner will then be chosen by an online public vote hosted at: https://www.scotlandstowns.org/scotlands_most_beautiful_high_street |
Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, added, “Now in its second year, we’re excited to be on the hunt for Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street once more.
“Scotland's Towns and smaller settlements account for 70% of our population base. Aside from their significant economic contribution in terms of commerce and employment, they provide a living record of our history and heritage. We need to celebrate our towns and empower our communities to ensure that Scotland's towns remain vibrant and continue to play a vital role in our nation's future.”
In the 21st century where our society is dependent on convenience and disposable items, it’s all too easy to order shopping online and have items delivered to our door, without us even leaving the house. We are becoming increasingly isolated and cut-off from our communities. Yet when we look closely, it’s actually the sense of community and civic pride that lies behind the places and spaces we love best.
Pete Leonard, Operations Director at Keep Scotland Beautiful, commented: “A flourishing high street is a symbol of an active, engaged community.
“We know that good quality environments are good for businesses. We also know that working together, we can all enjoy cleaner, greener and more sustainable spaces. So why not nominate a high street near you and get the credit you deserve for improving the place you care about.”
Nominations for Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street opened on Sunday August 26th. The winner will be announced in November, during Scotland’s Towns Week.
Visit competition webpage here: https://www.scotlandstowns.org/scotlands_most_beautiful_high_street
Supporting Scotland's Towns