Fort tops town centre study

Fort William has topped a ‘health check’ study into the vibrancy of Highland towns.

With a score of 44 out of 50 across 10 research categories, the town finished above Dingwall, Nairn and Dornoch, and emerged as the highest ranked town centre in a report published last week by Highland Council.

Portree was ranked lowest of all the towns in the report with a score of 26.

The study assessed the strength, vitality and performance of Highland town centres by gathering data during the summer in 15 towns. Each town centre was scored against 10 indicators of ‘health’, including ease of movement, use of open space and night-time economy.

The study found the percentage of independent retailers in Fort William (53 per cent) was significantly below the Highland town centre average (73.64 per cent). However, the percentage of vacant units in Fort William was slightly below the Highland town centre average with 8.27 per cent of shops empty.

Fort William Retail Association chairman Drew Purdon welcomed the report and praised the collective work of local businesses and community groups to restore pride in the town centre.

‘It’s tremendous as there’s been a lot of unfounded criticism of the High Street,’ he said. ‘Four or five years ago there were a lot of empty shops but there’s been a huge amount of investment in the town from local business in the past few years. There’s plenty of confidence in the High Street now and long may it continue.’

The town scored full marks for its night-time economy, open green space and pedestrianfriendly centre and scored highly in safety, pavements and historic environment. The study also found the town had a ‘substantial offering’ of retail and a host of leisure services. However, the lack routes was noted.

The report stated: ‘It scored highly for almost all the qualitative factors available, with excellent public art, good parking and more walkable than any of the other studied centres. Cycling facilities and ease of movement were, however, less impressive.’

The findings of the report come after Fort William High Street was shortlisted in the category for SURF’s Scotland’s Most Improved Place category, but missed out on winning the top prize at a ceremony a fortnight ago. The entry focused on the huge improvements made in the town centre in recent years, including better public spaces in Gordon Square and Cameron Square, the installation of pontoons and the formation of the Fort William Town Team (FWTT).

FWTT secretary Sue Keen said: ‘At a time when many high streets have lots of empty shops and poor amenities, we are delighted this survey has shown Fort William High Street is a thriving and attractive place to be. The town team recognises the contributions of businesses, Highland Council and our own hard-working volunteers.’ of cycle