Tag: Scotland’s Towns Partnership

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.

£26.7m impact of spending just £1-a-week more with local businesses 

Potential spending is just ‘tip of iceberg’ of what can be achieved, says Scotland Loves Local chief

An extra £26.7m could be driven directly into Edinburgh’s economy if everyone in the city spent just £1-a-week more with local businesses.

The significant financial difference that can be made – safeguarding the future of businesses and protecting jobs – has been highlighted as part of Scotland Loves Local Week, which runs until Saturday (August 30).

The call to think local first is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) – the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local – with support from the Scottish Government.

STP has calculated that, if every person in Scotland were to spend just £1 more per week with local businesses in their area, an additional £282.7m would be generated annually.

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “The reality is that £26.7mm is the tip of the iceberg of what can be achieved in Edinburgh. If £1 more every week can make a transformational impact to the people who make our places, just imagine what is truly possible by choosing local even more.

“Money stays local for longer when you spend with local businesses.The multiplier effect is massive. These businesses spend with other businesses, who employ other local people, who then spend with other local businesses. Every penny spent is an investment in the future of your area.

“The jobs and livelihoods of your neighbours, friends and family depend on you doing so.”

STP champions the critical part that towns and local neighbourhoods play in creating a better Scotland and the need to invest in them.

Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Local spending is vital to the prosperity of our villages, towns and cities. It keeps people in jobs, businesses open and wealth in communities.

“The Scottish Government continues to work closely with Scotland’s Towns Partnership to drive forward the Scotland Loves Local campaign which aims to strengthen communities by putting localism and thriving town centres and high streets at the heart of a green, fair and growing economy.

“To create jobs and boost local economies we are also progressing our Community Wealth Building Bill which would, if passed by MSPs, encourage councils, NHS boards and other public bodies to buy more goods and services from their local businesses.”