Tag: Scotland Loves Local Awards 2026

Sean Batty urges Edinburgh residents to celebrate their high street heroes

Nominations for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards are open until August 14th

Television presenter Sean Batty is urging people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to celebrate their high street heroes.

The STV weatherman launched Scotland Loves Local Week in North Berwick earlier this summer, joining traders at East Lothian Food and Drink’s harbour market.

And now he is calling on residents to nominate their high street heroes as part of the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – before they close on Friday August 14th.

Sean, an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local, said: “The Scotland Loves Local Awards are about celebrating the people and businesses in your community who go above and beyond – as well as the innovation, ambition and determination which is forging a better future for the places we call home.

“Not all heroes wear capes, but the way in which so many people give so much time and energy into making life better in our communities is truly heroic. What better way to celebrate that than nominating them as a High Street Hero?”

A High Street Hero will be named in each Scottish Parliament region, including Edinburgh and Lothians East, as well as Central Scotland and Lothians West.

Nationally, awards will be presented for:

Town of the Year (recognising a town that demonstrates a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place).

Innovation in Place (recognising a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood, celebrating practical work happening on the ground).

The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to help grow stronger communities by supporting the enterprises, organisations and initiatives in them.

Now in their sixth year, they recognise leadership, innovation and community action that supports thriving local places – from transformational regeneration projects and entrepreneurial community initiatives to the individuals making a difference.

They highlight the impact of place-based collaboration in delivering stronger, greener and more resilient town centres and places.

Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards-2026/, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday August 14th, with winners announced in October.

Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with support from the Scottish Government.

Who are the High Street Heroes of Edinburgh and the Lothians?

2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards launched – including search to find the nation’s Town of the Year

People across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to celebrate their high street heroes. Nominations have opened for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – including those for Town of the Year.

The accolades recognise and reward the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.

And residents are being encouraged to nominate those who they would like to be named as a High Street Hero – with one being honoured in each of Scotland’s eight Scottish Parliament regions.

People can also put their home area forward for the national accolades of Town of the Year and Innovation in Place.

The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to help grow stronger communities by supporting the enterprises, organisations and initiatives in them.

Last year’s heroes included Paul Boyle of Boghall Butchers in Bathgate, recognising more than 50 years of commitment to serving his community.

Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “Remarkable, determined and innovative work is taking place across Edinburgh and the Lothians which is making communities better places to live, work and visit. The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to celebrate all of that.

“We are looking forward to hearing more about the places, projects and people who are leading the way with inspirational action which really does make a difference – and having the chance to celebrate their achievements.”

Now in their sixth year, the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise leadership, innovation and community action that supports thriving local places – from transformational regeneration projects and entrepreneurial community initiatives to the individuals going above and beyond to make a difference.

They highlight the impact of place-based collaboration in delivering stronger, greener and more resilient town centres and places.

Nationally, awards will be presented for:

  • Town of the Year (recognising a town that demonstrates a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place).
  • Innovation in Place (recognising a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood, celebrating practical work happening on the ground).

Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards-2026/ , where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday August 14th, with winners announced in October.

Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with support from the Scottish Government.