Public voting opens for inaugural Heart of the High Street Awards in Aberdeenshire
Communities across Aberdeenshire are being encouraged to get behind their favourite local businesses as public voting opens for the inaugural Heart of the High Street Awards.
The new awards scheme launched by Aberdeenshire Council shines a spotlight on the people, teams and businesses which go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service and make the region’s town centres vibrant, welcoming and successful.
Residents now have until Saturday, August 30 to cast their vote for shortlisted businesses at https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/aberdeenshire-heart-of-the-high-street-finalists
The awards form part of the council’s wider Heart of the High Street campaign, which celebrates excellence in customer service while supporting businesses to develop skills and raise standards across Aberdeenshire’s town centres.
The inaugural awards ceremony will take place at the Holiday Inn, Westhill in September and will be co-hosted by Provost of Aberdeenshire Judy Whyte and award-winning food and drink journalist Julia Bryce.
Supported by sponsorship from local businesses and organisations, the campaign combines a town centre awards programme with a business support initiative focused on enhancing customer experience.
Following nominations from customers and businesses, an independent judging panel made up of representatives from the business community and Aberdeenshire Council selected finalists across eight categories as follows:
Retail – Making every customer count
Recognises shops which consistently deliver exceptional customer service, product knowledge, and a welcoming shopping experience. This award celebrates retailers who go above and beyond to make every customer feel valued.
• Ethical Gift Shop, Huntly
• Monkey Business, Aboyne
• J G Dossett Butchers, Kintore
Hospitality – The warm welcome
Celebrating hospitality providers who create memorable, friendly, and high quality experiences. This award is for places where great service and genuine warmth make people want to return, including cafes, restaurants, takeaways and hotels.
• The Murly Tuck, Tarves
• Annie’s Tea Room, Ellon
• Casa Luisa, Stonehaven
Service – The extra mile
Honours businesses such as tradespeople, financial services and other specialists who provide outstanding expertise and personalised care. It highlights professionals who exceed expectations and build real trust with their clients.
• Tarland Post Office and Toyshop, Tarland
• Calm Cove, Fraserbrugh
• Ellon Spirits - Kieran Murphy, Ellon
Leisure – The experience makers
Recognises attractions, activities and tourism businesses which help make Aberdeenshire a fantastic place to visit. It celebrates those who deliver unique, enjoyable and well run experiences for locals and visitors alike. Includes sports centres, cinema, play centres and attractions.
• Number 30, Huntly
• The Smiddy, Banff
• Play Town, Inverurie
Health & Wellbeing – Supporting health and happiness
Honours businesses which promote physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing - from fitness and therapy providers to community health initiatives. This award celebrates those who help people feel healthier, happier and more supported.
• Elevate Health and Wellbeing, Stonehaven
• JAS Counselling, Inverurie
• Balanced Sports Clinic, Kintore
Loves Local Ambassador
Recognises individuals or businesses who champion their local community and high street. This award celebrates a person or business who consistently promotes the ‘shop local’ message benefiting not just their own business but the wider business community and town.
• Begg Shoe Shop, Inverurie
• The Black Faced Sheep, Aboyne
• Crafty Creations, Fraserburgh
Outstanding Individual
Celebrates a person who has made an exceptional contribution to their workplace or community. This award honours someone whose dedication, attitude and impact truly stand out.
• Steve McQueen, Fountainhall Wines
• Anne Lyne, Rhynie Post Office
• Sergio Ruiz, Casa Luisa
New Business
Recognises a recently established business which has made a strong, positive impression. This award celebrates innovation, growth and the energy new businesses bring to Aberdeenshire’s high streets. This includes any business category that has opened within the past two years.
• Number 30, Huntly
• But n Ben Books, Stonehaven
• Bract Botanical, Stonehaven
Businesses were required to be based within an Aberdeenshire town centre to be eligible. Alongside the awards programme, the initiative has worked with partners including Business Gateway to promote customer service training and development opportunities.