Chance to thank heroes
Nominations are being sought from across Perth and Kinross for the High Street Heroes Awards.
The awards will recognise the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond to support their communities at a time where their help has never been needed more.
Members of the public can nominate a local person, business or organisation which they feel has made a difference - from helping vulnerable neighbours to keeping town centres welcoming and safe as restrictions have eased.
The awards are being organised as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages shoppers across the country to think local first and back businesses in their own town centre before travelling further afield or turning to online retail giants.
Spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, with the support of the Scottish Government, the multimedia promotion is part of the nation’s financial fightback from the disruption caused by coronavirus encouraging everyone to act in line with all public safety guidelines.
Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, town centre businesses have demonstrated true commitment to their communities by doing all they can to help ensure vulnerable people have not gone without essential supplies, to support jobs and be there for all those who have needed them.
Phil Prentice, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “For all that civic-minded citizens, business owners and local organisations in our town centres have done for us, now it’s time for us to do something for them.
“Across Perth and Kinross, these are people who are at the heart of our communities.
“They go to remarkable lengths to support those around them - never more so than in recent months.
“Despite the challenges that they have faced, an amazing number have been at the heart of community responses, easing issues faced by their customers and neighbours, whether that be through making deliveries or even the simple act of regular phone calls to make sure that vulnerable people are well.
“Many have also contributed to ensuring our town centres are clean, safe and welcoming places to visit as lockdown restrictions have eased.”
Nominations opened yesterday (Monday, August 24) and will close at 5pm on Friday, September 11.
Scotland’s communities secretary, Aileen Campbell MSP, who is supporting the nominations call, said: “The true value of localism was brought into sharp focus.
“It’s important we recognise the efforts made by individuals, groups and local businesses who went to extraordinary lengths to support our communities during a period of great uncertainty for many.”
Nominations for the High Street Heroes Awards are at https:// lovelocal.scot/high-street-heroes
There, you can briefly share the details of the person, local business or organisation.