High Street joy 'is due to local spirit'
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A COMMUNITY-spirited support network that has helped to keep Alness’s businesses thriving is a big reason behind the town’s success in a national contest, a local retailer believes.
Alness High Street was named the best high street in Scotland in a UK-wide competition last week.
And Carolyn Wilson, who owns Victoriana, was among those at the Great British High Street awards ceremony to hear the good news.
She believes Alness’s success was testament to the community spirit in the area, with volunteers working to keep the area looking clean and picturesque, and businesses actively working together rather than competing with each other.
Indeed, the town’s High Street is home to more than 70 businesses, 96 per cent of which are independent.
“It’s been a really good campaign which started early this year. The public got behind it and we’ve been overwhelmed by the support – not just in the local area but further afield as well,” said Ms Wilson.
“It really caught people’s imaginations. People had to vote for us if we were to win and obviously they did just that – and we’re grateful.”
She added that a gentlemen’s agreement between the local business not to compete against each other was another key factor behind the town’s thriving retailers.
“Businesses here are not competing with each other – they’re supporting each other,” continued Ms Wilson, who is also a councillor in Highland Council. “There’s a support network that really does work.”
Alness won £5000 for its success in the competition.
Businesses and the community have yet to decide what the money will be spent upon, but early thoughts are that it could be used to fund an advertising campaign promoting the town.
First up though, the town will be marking its success at a joint celebration and festive lights switch-on ceremony next Thursday.
Shops will be opening later that night, offering a range of special deals. There will also be stalls, food tastings and more.
The special event is expected to run from 5.30pm to 8pm.
Ms Wilson is hopeful that locals and shoppers from further afield will all visit – citing the popularity of Alness’ shops among the wider Highlands as one reason for its success.
And that sentiment has been shared online, where a flood of people have congratulated the town.
“Well deserved,” said Muriel Campbell. “[A] super shopping place and staff in the shops are so nice and pleasant.” And Robert Mackay praised “those who dedicate their time” to help around the town.
