New APP and website put Huntly on the world map
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A NEW website and app dedicated to promoting Huntly was launched yesterday.
Developed by Huntly Business Association (HBA), Experience Huntly aims to provide residents and visitors with information about the town and surrounding area, promote local businesses, community groups and activities for all ages.
The app is available for free download and during the launch at No 30 The Square a QR code which people can scan to get the app straight to their phone was unveiled.
The app is linked to a new website.
The two tools provides users with a local business directory, exclusive special offers and deals, access to a local events calendar, news, and details of community groups.
HBA secured money for the project from funds created to counter challenges posed by Covid-19.
HBA treasurer Helen Kings, said: "The Phoenix Fund, Scotland's Towns Partnership and Aberdeenshire Charitable Trust Fund enabled us to build Experience Huntly.
"It will be a fantastic asset for the community, businesses and visitors alike.
"From the start point in the spring of 2020 to today there has been a huge amount achieved. Similar apps are very successful elsewhere - it will help put Huntly on the map."
Businesses and community groups were offered a free listing and key to the success of the app and website is for them to keep their own information up to date - using the app as a real time communication channel.
Ellie Turner from the Ethical Gift Shop said: "Businesses like mine which already have social media platforms just need to keep their information up to date as they do their Facebook and Instagram.
"I can see it being beneficial to people moving into the area"
Bill Dean, managing director, Deans of Huntly said: “The app and website will be an invaluable resource for Huntly residents, encouraging us to shop local and support our local businesses as everything reopens.
"Deans are delighted to support the initiative which has such a huge potential to drive positive change for our local economy.”
Laura McNeil, organiser for Huntly Hairst added: “It will be beneficial to everyone, together we can make this an excellent opportunity for Huntly. I will be using the Experience Huntly app for Hairst so that we can have a wider community reach, keep everyone informed about what is happening during the event and post up to date information in real time.”
The project was led by Experience Huntly’s Marketing Manager, Vivien Rae, working alongside app developers Our Community Hub.
Ms Rae said: "The launch of the app will complement efforts like the ongoing Fiver Fest and really help to showcase what Huntly has to offer.”
Councillor Gwyneth Petrie said: “The idea of an app or website where all the information can be reached in once place was a real priority following the Town Team and Room to Thrive project, and it’s brilliant to see real tangible benefits from that work.
“Not only will the app help those living the area, but it also markets Huntly as a destination, and will hopefully see us attract many more tourists and visitors.”
The app can be downloaded for free from the Apple and Google Play stores by searching Experience Huntly.
For more information about the project and to get involved, contact Vivien at info@experiencehuntly.com
I am delighted to see the Experience Huntly app now at launch stage. A tremendous amount of work has gone into developing this app, and the benefits are numerous.
“The idea of an app or website where all the information about Huntly can be reached in once place was a real priority following the Town Team and Room to Thrive project, and it’s brilliant to see real tangible benefits from that work.
“Not only will this app help those living the area, but it also markets Huntly as a destination, and will hopefully see us attract many more tourists and visitors.”
