Television weatherman Sean Batty is calling on people across Lanarkshire to nominate their local High Street Heroes for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards. The STV presenter encourages residents to submit nominations before the closing date of Friday, August 14.
Celebrating Community Champions
The awards recognise individuals and businesses that go above and beyond to improve their communities. Sean, an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local, said: “The Scotland Loves Local Awards are about celebrating the people and businesses in your community who go above and beyond – as well as the innovation, ambition and determination which is forging a better future for the places we call home.”
He added: “Not all heroes wear capes, but the way in which so many people give so much time and energy into making life better in our communities is truly heroic. What better way to celebrate that than nominating them as a High Street Hero?”
Award Categories
A High Street Hero Award will be presented in each Scottish Parliament region. Nationally, awards will be given for Town of the Year, recognising a town that shows a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place, and Innovation in Place, celebrating a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood.
The awards, now in their sixth year, are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to support local enterprises and initiatives. They highlight the impact of place-based collaboration in building stronger, greener and more resilient town centres.
How to Nominate
Nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards-2026/, where full category criteria are available. People can briefly share details of their nominee and why they deserve recognition. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, August 14, with winners announced in October.
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with support from the Scottish Government.
