Forres Area Community Trust have been awarded a Highly Commended High Street Heroes award in an initiative which recognises the people, businesses and local organisations who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during the coronavirus lockdown and re-opening. This initiative is run by the Scotland Loves Local Campaign, which is managed by Scotland’s Towns Partnership.
In each local authority area of Scotland one Regional Champion and a few select Highly Commended titles have been awarded. These entries have received prior notification and will receive a certificate of recognition. Meanwhile all eligible entries are being celebrated and thanked with the title of High Street Hero in the Scotland’s Towns Partnership Roll of Honour.
FACT are thrilled to be recognised and highly commended for their work in responding to the impact of the coronavirus lockdown. Volunteers and staff stepped up to help those who needed support at this time and worked with a range of local businesses and organisations to meet the needs of our community.
FACT was also pleased to see that other organisations and individuals were recognised for their efforts during this time and beyond. Well done everyone.
Joanna Taylor who is a director of FACT said:
“This is a well-deserved recognition for the work that was done, and is being done, in difficult circumstances.”
With congratulations to the other award winners in Moray who are as follows:
Moray Regional Champion
- Ian and Rena Watson, of Cullen Bay Hotel, Cullen
Highly Commended
- Forres Area Community Trust (FACT)
- Vince Lyon & Bert Logie, Forres in Bloom
- Juliette Buchan, Moray Shop Local
High Street Heroes
- Findhorn Bay Arts, Forres
- Gordon Brailsford & Colleagues, Mosset Tavern, Forres
- Medine Duff, Café Medina Pop-Up Café, Forres
- Sarah Holmes, Pencil Me In, Elgin
All nominees have received the heartfelt thanks of both Scotland’s Towns Partnership and the Scottish Government’s Communities Secretary.
Scotland’s Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell praised each and every award nominee for their efforts, saying:
“I would like to thank these High Street Heroes for going the extra mile to help their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am pleased the Scottish Government has been able to support these awards through our funding for Scotland’s Towns Partnership. They typify the kind of community spirit that has supported people and improved lives.
“This has been a difficult year for all of us, and the only way we will get through is by sticking together, being kind, and offering help where it is needed. The fact that these awards received more than 1,200 nominations just shows how much people have appreciated those who have pulled together to help one another.”
STP’s Chief Officer, Phil Prentice, said:
“The dedication with which people across Scotland have supported those around them during the pandemic has been remarkable. We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on the amazing difference that our High Street Heroes have made and thank them for all they have done.’’
“They are an inspiration – local people helping their communities and customers like never before. They highlight the vital part that high street businesses play in our lives and why we must support them to ensure they continue to be there for us.”
