Helensburgh residents invited to nominate high street heroes

The event, arranged by the Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), rewards the hard work, determination, and innovation that keep communities thriving.

The national categories are Town of the Year, Most Enterprising Community, and Place Leader of the Year.

There will also be eight High Street Hero Awards presented, one in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions, which means Helensburgh and Lomond nominees will compete against the best from Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire for the 'west Scotland' award.

The awards will recognise a person or organisation who has gone above and beyond to support people and make their community a better place to live, work and visit.

Kimberley Guthrie, chief officer of STP, said: "There are people working tirelessly across Argyll and Bute whose desire to make a difference is driving a new future for their community.

Kimberley Guthrie from the Scotland's Towns Partnership (Image: Message Matters)

"The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the determination and collaboration which really is improving lives in so many ways."

Scotland Loves Local is a movement encouraging residents to shape their community's future by opting local.

Now in its fourth year, the award is spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government.

Technology solutions company Vicinity is sponsoring the Town of the Year category.

Henry Jinman, chief executive of Vicinity, said: "Our work gives us a fascinating insight into what makes places tick and we are delighted to work alongside STP to help foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in Scotland's Towns and Places.

Nominations for the Scotland Loves Local Awards can be submitted until August 23. (Image: Message Matters)

"That is why we are delighted to be supporting the Town of the Year category, to shine a spotlight on fantastic work being carried out by organisations and individuals across the country, making a real difference to places and the people who live there."

Awards nominations can be submitted at www.lovelocal.scot/awards until 5pm on August 23.

Finalists will be announced in September and winners will be revealed in October, with achievements of finalists celebrated at the Scotland’s Towns Conference in Perth on November 27.