Aberdeenshire’s High Street Heroes honoured
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High Street Heroes from across Aberdeenshire have been recognised for their remarkable work during the coronavirus crisis.
The tireless dedication of people to support those around them throughout the pandemic has been celebrated as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign’s High Street Heroes Awards.
Across Scotland, there were more than 1200 nominations and in Aberdeenshire, the Regional Champion award was presented to Syed Abdul Hamid, Carron to Mumbai, Stonehaven.
The nomination for Carron to Mumbai stated: “Carron to Mumbai has provided free or discounted meals to the elderly and NHS workers since the beginning of the pandemic.
"This has been massively appreciated by the people of Stonehaven.
"They have asked for nothing in return - true local heroes.”
Reacting to the award news head chef Syed Abdul Hamid, who has been running the business for just over two years, said: “We feel privileged to serve our community, especially the NHS, elderlys, children and the most vulnerable during the pandemic.
“It means a lot for our team, who have worked tirelessly, to receive this award.
"It means a lot for our community spirit.”
Meanwhile, Highly Commended mentions in Aberdeenshire went to several locals including Derek Ritchie, manager, WeAreInverurie BID.
Judges were told: “Derek has worked tirelessly to ensure all local businesses have equipment, information and support through some really difficult times for towns.
"He’s fronted the town response with a calm head and a smile to keep everyone going - and still pushing forward with future plans for other town events.
“Derek secures funding and a great deal to support all local businesses to access hand sanitiser stations and ensured our local charitable groups were supported too.
"He kept information going out about businesses and services still happening in Inverurie and shared everyone’s reopening plans to get the high street lively again."
Chloe Lawson of Chloe’s Kitchen Creations, Alford was also highly commended.
Judges were told: “Chloe has run her own little takeaway hot food and cake shop since May 2019, she opened the shop two weeks before turning 18.
"She closed her doors for a few weeks at the start of lockdown but gave up her time every Sunday to go back into her shop to make soup for the local food bank to distribute to the vulnerable throughout the village of Alford.
"She also continued to help out at the food bank after she managed to reopen her shop.”
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) with the support of the Scottish Government to help the country’s response to the pandemic by thinking local first for all shopping and service needs.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “I would like to thank these High Street Heroes for going the extra mile to help their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am pleased the Scottish Government has been able to support these awards through our funding for Scotland’s Towns Partnership. They typify the kind of community spirit that has supported people and improved lives.
“This has been a difficult year for all of us, and the only way we will get through is by sticking together, being kind, and offering help where it is needed.
"The fact that these awards received more than 1200 nominations just shows how much people have appreciated those who have pulled together to help one another.”
STP’s Chief Officer, Phil Prentice, said: “The dedication with which people across Aberdeenshire have supported those around them during the pandemic has been remarkable.
"We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on the amazing difference that our High Street Heroes have made and thank them for all they have done.
“They are an inspiration - local people helping their communities and customers like never before. They highlight the vital part that high street businesses play in our lives and why we must support them to ensure they continue to be there for us.”
