17-06-2025
Show the love for high street heroes in West Lothian by nominating them for award
Jim Allan from Bathgate was last year's winner for the region
West Lothian residents are being urged to nominate their high street heroes for this year's Scotland Loves Local Awards.
The awards celebrate the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.
Residents in West Lothian as well as those across Edinburgh, East Lothian, and Midlothian are being encouraged to nominate those they would like to see crowned High Street Hero for the Lothian region.
Eco warrior Jim Allan, from Bathgate, an influential force in West Lothian Litter Pickers and its work to clear hundreds of tonnes of rubbish from local streets and spaces was last year's winner.
Now in their fifth year, the awards are organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign encouraging people to back enterprises and organisations in their own communities.
People can also put their home area forward for national accolades including Town of the Year.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: 'Every day, people and organisations go above and beyond to make their communities better and I've been lucky to meet a few of them and see what brilliant work they do.
'The impact of that determination to make a difference should never be underestimated.
'The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward that success, celebrating collective and individual achievements. They are a fantastic way to say a special thank-you.'
The awards highlight the innovation and collaboration which will make towns and neighbourhoods stronger and more sustainable.
The categories nationally are:
● Town of the Year
● Most Enterprising Community
● Place Leader of the Year
Eight High Street Hero Awards will also be presented - one in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions - recognising a person or organisation who make life better in their area.
The closing date for nominations is Wednesday, August 30 at 5pm. Finalists will be announced in September with presentations made to winners in October and a special reception will take place in Edinburgh in November.
