Alness High Street named best in Scotland

Alness High Street has been crowned Scottish Champion in this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

The high street, which has over 70 businesses including a flourishing number of independent retailers, wins £5000 for the local community.

The win was announced at a ceremony at Lancaster House attended by the high streets minister Jake Berry MP and representatives from 37 shortlisted high streets.

Mr Berry said: “Congratulations to Alness on being crowned the Scottish Champion High Street in this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

“The awards celebrate the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify our high streets and the quality of entries this year has been outstanding."

Awards judge Hemlata Narasimhan said: “Alness High Street is a fantastic example of a high street that has made huge strides in transforming itself and significantly improving the environment for locals and visitors alike.

“With an unparalleled sense of community, Alness shopkeepers and business owners have worked together to ensure that they provide an exciting and vibrant experience for shoppers. Alness is a shining example of how high streets can help drive footfall by the local community coming together to make it a better place for all.”

Business owner and local councillor Carolyn Wilson said: "We have a wonderful community in Alness and this is a real tribute to everyone’s hard work and passion.”

The follows a visits by an independent judging panel to the town, with a public vote on social media also accounting for 30 per cent of the overall scores.