'Think local' Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE) picks up enterprising communities award from weatherman Sean Batty
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A WESTER Ross community group has added to its growing trophy cabinet after being recognised for its efforts encouraging people to think local first.
Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum, best known as GALE, has been named winner of the Scotland Loves Local Enterprising Communities Award.
The ceremony was held at the V&A in Dundee with well-known Scottish weatherman Sean Batty as the host.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards recognise the remarkable work taking place to improve communities from tackling the climate emergency and encouraging enterprise to transforming streets and creating great places to live.
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More about GALE from the pages of the Ross-shire Journal
Janet Miles, GALE managing director, said: “We are immensely thankful to STP for organising these wonderful awards and to the V&A for providing such an inviting atmosphere. The recognition reflects our dedication to the local communities we serve and the love that Scotland has for its localities.”
GALE board member, Lou Close, echoed these sentiments, saying: “This award is a testament to the tireless work of our staff, volunteers, and supporters. While their efforts never go unnoticed by us at the board, it’s tremendous to see their contribution being recognised on a wider scale through this award. We are truly grateful.”
The Scotland Loves Local campaign is a national initiative designed to encourage all those who live in Scotland to think local first and support their local town centres.The awards, arranged by STP, showcase the breadth and depth of talent, creativity and resilience across Scotland's towns and communities. The awards are supported by Business Stream, Creative Scotland, Green Action Trust, Message Matters, Miconex and Sustrans Scotland.
Awards host, Sean Batty said: “The dedication and drive shown by all of our finalists to deliver for their community is simply amazing.The difference they make – day in, day out – is incredible. Well done to all of the finalists. It was great spending time with them.”
STP chair, Professor Leigh Sparks, added: “Everyone nominated for a Scotland Loves Local Award is playing their part in creating a better future for their community. We should be proud of them all, as we should of all the unsung heroes working every day across the country. Their vision, determination, entrepreneurship and creativity is exactly what we need to create a stronger Scotland with more sustainable places in which to live, work and visit.”
STP's mission to encourage people to think local first and support their local town centres aligns perfectly with GALE's own ethos of promoting community-led local development. This synergy makes GALE's award in the Enterprising Communities category a particularly proud moment for everyone involved with the organisation.
The group says it is committed to supporting the local economy, nurturing community spirit, and making Gairloch and Loch Ewe a better place to live, work, thrive and visit.
The award marks the second major accolade for GALE this year, following its recent success at the Highland and Islands Thistle Awards where it was honoured in the Celebrating Thriving Communities category.
