EIGHT Scottish high streets have been shortlisted for this year’s Great British High Street Awards, giving them a chance to win a £15,000 prize.
Six have been shortlisted in the Champion high street category which aims to find the UK’s best high street, while three have been shortlisted in the Rising Star category, which aims to find the UK’s most ambitious high streets.
In Fife, Newport-on-Tay’s High Street has been shortlisted in both categories with Main Street in Prestwick and Ayr High Street also vying for the Rising Star award.
The five other contenders in the Champion high street category are Avenue 77 (Pollokshaws/Kilmarnock Road corridor) in Glasgow, Main Street/High Street in Turriff, and Kirriemuir, Kirkwall and Alness High Streets.
They form part of a 38-strong shortlist across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. All high streets will now battle it out in a public vote, which accounts for 30% of the final scoring, and will then have the chance to impress an expert judging panel as they seek to be crowned Britain’s best.
Research commissioned by Visa revealed signs of renewed confidence in the country’s high streets despite a challenging retail environment.
It found that more than one-third (39%) of Scotland’s independent high street retailers are optimistic about the future while almost four out of five (79%) of Scottish shoppers would miss their local high street if it were no longer there.
Author and TV presenter Simon Reeve, one of the judges, said he had been impressed by the standard of entries.
“I’ve spent the last couple of months visiting independent high street retailers across the UK and I’ve been blown away by the passion and commitment shown by shopkeepers to keep their high streets alive, especially in this challenging climate,” he said.
“The best examples are those that are listening closely to their customers and innovating to meet their demands. These are the shops and high streets that will stand the test of time.”
The winners will be announced on November 15 in London.
If you want to take part in the public vote go to www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk
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