Heroic efforts to champion Glasgow West End honoured
Scotland Loves Local Awards 2024: Celebrations as Visit West End is named as High Street Hero.
Article Source: Scotland Loves Local
Last Updated: 25 October 2024 8:18
Work to champion and attract more people to Glasgow’s vibrant West End has been hailed as heroic.
Every year, thousands of people are drawn to Byres Road and Lanes by a variety of events, activities and initiatives organised by Visit West End.
Its supporters were celebrating today as the organisation was named as the Scotland Loves Local Awards 2024 High Street Hero for Glasgow, recognising its relentless drive to boost business and make the area more attractive.
Formed in 2015, Visit West End is the organisation behind the hugely popular Byres Road Book Festival, as well as the area’s renowned Christmas lights and ever-expanding work to promote local businesses via social media.
It is also a prominent advocate for the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, urging people to choose local and get behind businesses in the community.
Its nomination stated: “Whether spearheading festivals or fighting our corner against proposals which risk doing harm to our businesses, Visit West End’s work is immense.
“People turn to them for everything. They’ve a tiny team who are promoters, problem solvers and absolutely critical to helping pursue the priorities of local businesses to help them survive, thrive and grow.
“The team really does go above and beyond.”
As the business improvement district for Byres Road and Lanes, Visit West End’s work covers the length of Byres Road, together with Ashton, Cresswell, Dowanside and Ruthven Lanes, as well as Vinicombe Street, Great George Street and Havelock Street.
Its plans for the future include a range of projects to enhance and improve the area, including the possible installation of CCTV and improvements to Ruthven and Dowanside Lanes.
Businesses gathered to celebrate the High Street Hero accolade.
Reacting to the news, Visit West End chair John Turner said: “I am thrilled beyond words that the decade of hard work by the Visit West End team has been recognised by this award, which is thoroughly deserved.
“My heartfelt thanks are due to Deborah and Eleanor who form the current team, and to Kitty, Jessica and Hannah who have worked with us in the past, for all that they do and have done.
“I have been privileged to work in the BID office part-time over the last year and a half and have seen the amount of work and effort that they put in to make things happen in the area. Well done to them all.”
During the recent Scotland Loves Local Week, Glasgow MSP and Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar met with West End business owners as they urged people to choose local.
Visit West End has also signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, encouraging its members - and the wider community - to prioritise spending with local businesses.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise and reward all that’s great about the nation’s towns and neighbourhoods and the work to ensure they become stronger and more sustainable.
Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “The passion with which the team at Visit West End champion the area is impressive. They’re at the forefront of so much, making a real difference to businesses and lives.
“They’re a key part of the community, with their work boosting the local economy. Our judges agreed that this award is well deserved. Congratulations to everyone who makes what Visit West End does possible.”
Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Buchanan Galleries breaks fundraising record for Childrens Hospital Charity for second year running
The centre, which launched a series of festive fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the charity, raised more than £75K, surpassing last year's total by £17K.
READ MORE
First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MORE
Christmas is officially here... the IRN BRU Carnival launches for the festive season
Today, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!
READ MORE
Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.
READ MORE
Glasgow Mat Pilates Studio looks to add NEW Classes to bring people together
Move Train Eat is set to grow its timetable in 2025 with the aim of helping people move better and connect with like-minded people, as they enter new phases of life.
READ MORE
Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well
Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre celebrates 10 new openings in 2024
Braehead Shopping Centre has had an incredible year in 2024, marked by a wave of exciting new stores that have reinforced its position as one of Scotland's leading shopping destinations.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort confirms festive opening hours
Glasgow Fort has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces first stage production for its reopening in 2025
The Citizens Theatre announces Small Acts of Love as the show which will reopen the theatre in 2025.
READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORE
Acclaimed lecture by Panto legend Johnny McKnight returns for one off performance
Stage star and Panto legend Johnny McKnight will take to the stage once more, in 2025, for a one-off performance of his acclaimed lecture She's Behind You at The Pavilion Theatre.
READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list
Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MORE
Pioneering new partnership between Buchanan Galleries and The White Company Makes perfect scents this Christmas
Buchanan Galleries has joined forces with The White Company in a pioneering new partnership that’s not to be sniffed at.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle announces grand opening date of its new luxury development
Crossbasket Castle will deliver one of Scotland’s newest and most exciting five-star hospitality experiences, with a unique restaurant by Michelin Star Chef Michel Roux.
READ MORE
OVO Hydro to spread holiday cheer with ticket giveaway
OVO Hydro, Scotland's Home of Live Entertainment, is spreading holiday cheer with a festive giveaway and support for Nordoff & Robbins music therapy charity.
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORE
People in Glasgow asked to nominate their local business support champions for new Awards
Business Gateway has announced that nominations are now open for its inaugural Recognition Awards.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
'Hook' a Duck around Glasgow for your chance to win tickets to this year's IRN-BRU Carnival!
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
OVO Hydro crowned venue of the year at Live Awards
OVO Hydro, Scotland's premier entertainment venue, has been named Venue of the Year at the prestigious Live Awards.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
Sean Batty urges Glasgow residents to choose local this Christmas
Weather presenter took part in George Square market as he promotes his first festive children's book, The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Announces Country Focus, Special Events, and UK Wide Screenings
Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced that its 2025 Country Focus will be Austria and reveals its Special Events which will go on sale on Monday 16th December.
READ MORE
Vote Now! Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 Open Nominations
From iconic institutions to rising stars, the search is on to find the city's best bars, pubs, and hospitality heroes that make Glasgow great!
READ MORE
Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Glasgow with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow is celebrating Hogmanay in style with a bottomless brunch to end all bottomless brunches and a gorgeous limited-edition cocktail menu.
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links