Looking for the heroes who made the best of a bad year for Falkirk

High Street Heroes Awards, organised by the Scotland Loves Local campaign, recognises the dedication and determination of those who helped others around them during the coronavirus crisis of 2020.

Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, town centre businesses have demonstrated true commitment to their communities by doing all they can to help ensure vulnerable people have not gone without essential supplies, to support jobs and be there for all those who have needed them.

Members of the public can nominate a local person, business or organisation which they feel has made a difference – from helping vulnerable neighbours to keeping town centres welcoming and safe as restrictions have eased.

The awards are part of the country’s financial fightback from the disruption caused by coronavirus and encourages everyone to act in line with all public safety guidelines.

Phil Prentice, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “For all that civic-minded citizens, business owners and local organisations in our town centres have done for us, now it’s time for us to do something for them.

“Throughout Falkirk, these are people who are at the heart of our communities. They go to remarkable lengths to support those around them and never more so than in recent months.

“Despite the challenges that they have faced, an amazing number have been at the heart of community responses, easing issues faced by their customers and neighbours, whether that be through making deliveries or even the simple act of regular phone calls to make sure that vulnerable people are well.

“Many have also contributed to ensuring our town centres are clean, safe and welcoming places to visit as lockdown restrictions have eased. We want to shine a spotlight on all that they have done.”

A critical part of the campaign is highlighting the fact that it’s the people behind the businesses which make our town centres special - not simply the buildings and shop units which are found on them.

Scotland’s Communities Secretary, Aileen Campbell MSP said: “When the coronavirus lockdown was introduced it reshaped various aspects of our lives – how we worked, shopped and interacted with one another all changed overnight.

“As travel was limited to prevent the spread of the virus, the true value of localism was brought into sharp focus. It’s important now that we recognise the efforts made by those individuals, groups and local businesses who went to extraordinary lengths to support our communities during a period of great uncertainty for many.

“Now is your chance to show them how much they are appreciated by nominating those people who made such a huge difference in the heart of our communities when it mattered most.”

Nominations for the High Street Heroes Awards are open until 5pm on Friday, September 11.

People can visit www.lovelocal.scot/high-street-heroes and share the details of the person, local business or organisation you would like to see rewarded and why.