Chief Officer’s blog by Kimberley Guthrie
Joining a TV weatherman and a snowman called Coolio as they danced with an umbrella as a rain shower began falling on Oban’s picturesque promenade might go down as one of my most surreal – yet nicest – working moments of 2024.
The celebrations – whatever the weather – were incredibly well deserved, though, as our Scotland Loves Local ambassador Sean Batty cheered alongside the Oban Winter Festival mascot and, a host of other community champions, to mark a very special achievement.
Oban was being crowned as Town of the Year in the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards (with thanks to Henry Jinman and his team at Vicinity for their sponsorship of the category).
It was the first time that we’ve awarded the prize as part of our awards – and it really shone a spotlight on the power of people and place, as the accolade was celebrated on the radio, television and in newspapers. It was fascinating and uplifting to hear people joining in the story by not only sharing not only what makes the place they call home so special but their views on how it’s evolving too.
As I said to Sean as I joined him for a chat sat next to the fire in The Whisky Vaults Hotel following the presentation, the crown is one that Oban should wear with pride.
Every town’s unique and makes the most of its assets, but Oban’s had an exemplary year. The events it’s hosted – the Clipper Yacht Race, the Mod festival and now its Winter Festival – really have been phenomenal.
There will be learnings that other towns can take from what’s happened in Oban this year in how they engage – and make the most of – local, national and international events.
Over and above that, though, this town of the year award is an amazing example of what strong workmanship and innovative thinking and collaboration can deliver in all sorts of ways. That, of course, includes the partnership between the BID4Oban Business Improvement District and Argyll & Bute Council.
So much has gone on behind the scenes to bring all of this together and it was fantastic to see the delight of local businesses as the awards news was shared.
Heartwarming and inspiring
Getting out and about to meet some of our winners and seeing the projects in which they’re involved is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job.
Across in Perth, seeing the work of the winner of our Most Enterprising Community Award was quite simply uplifting.
Letham Climate Challenge is not only helping its community respond to the climate emergency through an innovative reuse and recycling scheme, it is also providing critical support to people in need – and has brought empty buildings back into use.
The dignified way in which they share that support is perhaps what left its biggest mark on me as I met the team there.
This is a really interesting example of how a community initiative can use the sum of all the parts to make a difference in so many different ways, whether that be environmentally, economically, or alleviating poverty on a very personal level simply by being there for the people around them at a point where they need someone most.
Without a doubt, it is an initiative which could be rolled out across the country – borrowed with pride, as I like to say.
Driving positive change
The enthusiasm and energy that it takes to make a real difference to the place you call home was really evident as I called into Kilmarnock to present our Place Leader Award at a meeting of the town’s business association.
I said to the business and community leaders gathered there that every town needs someone like Peter Telfer, the optical firm managing director and former chair of the association who is now part of the Kilmarnock Town Board.
The way in which he has helped pull businesses and other organisations together for the common good – through the East Ayrshire Gift Card, for example – or inspiring those around him with his entrepreneurial spirit really is outstanding.
Peter is a shining example of how people make places, creating communities that people want to work, live, visit and – ultimately, invest in.
A special mention to Tracy Murray of the town centre regeneration team at East Ayrshire Council, not only for organising the presentation for us – but for the infectious enthusiasm she has for towns across the region. What a fantastic ambassador.
Heroic efforts
Individual achievements which have brought about collective good were also celebrated with the presentation of our eight regional High Street Hero Awards, which were also part of the suite of Scotland Loves Local prizes.
They honoured some remarkable dedication – from helping make our communities cleaner and greener, to championing business and events and even some life-saving heroics.
I’m really looking forward to meeting many of these heroes – and other awards finalists – at a special reception highlighting their achievements as part of the Scotland’s Towns Conference, which is being held at Perth Concert Hall on November 27th.
I hope it’s a moment in which all of them can take a bow because they genuinely don’t realise how important they are or the life-enhancing, place-improving contribution they make to their communities. Well done!
Ps. Best of wishes to Sean Batty as he combines two of his great loves – the weather and Christmas – with the release of his first children’s book, The Worst Christmas Weather EVER! It’s great to see that he’s out and about supporting local events and festivals up and down the country as part of its launch. Sean’s a superb advocate for Scotland Loves Local.
Kimberley Guthrie is Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership
