Kirkwall nominated for High Street Award

It has been confirmed, today, Monday, that Kirkwall is in the running to pick up a Great British High Street Award.

This comes after a successful application made by Kirkwall BID. The prize, run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is designed to reward and celebrate the best looking, busiest and most enterprising town centres in the country.

Responding to the news, Kirkwall BID Coordinator Kelly Kirkness said: “All summer we have been getting lots of compliments from visitors about the range of shops and high standards of hospitality available, and the attractiveness of our town centre. Now we have official confirmation!

“The shortlisting means we have already been judged to be one of the six best high streets in the country, and we think we can go all the way.”|

A team of judges will be visiting Kirkwall next Monday, September 24 as part of their final assessment process, to decide which town will win the top prize of £10,000. Miss Kirkness is keen that Kirkwall puts on its best face that day:

“Kirkwall always looks good, but we’d like to ask for a special effort from all retailers and other businesses on the 24th,” she explained. 

“Let’s show the rest of the country what we can do with our window displays, our helpful staff, and our friendly welcome.  We all know Kirkwall is wonderful – let’s prove it!  And we could win £10,000 to spend on further town improvements!”