A pair of town centres in Courier Country are in the running to be named Britain’s best.
High Streets in Newport-on-Tay and Kirriemuir have been shortlisted in the Great British High Street Awards.
They are finalists in the champion category of the competition run by the UK Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Newport High Street is also in the rising star category, recognising the most ambitious high streets.
Newport Festival, organised by Newport-on-Tay Traders Association, was credited as a key to its success.
Association chair Becky Myles said: “I am thrilled we have been shortlisted but not surprised.
“We have a fantastic location and diversity of shops, and not just in the High Street.
“We have lots of independent traders and a lot of them are local residents and they care about the wider town, not just the High Street.
“This year is huge for Newport with everything that is happening on the other side of the water and all the work that is being put in here.
“It would be a real game changer if we won. It would recognise all the hard work the traders have put in over the years and put Newport firmly on the map.”
Sundeep Kaur, of awards sponsor Visa, said: “The High Street in Newport-on-Tay is a fantastic example of a high street that has made huge strides in transforming itself to offer a range of different experiences for locals and visitors alike.
“In particular, its entry highlighted that the annual not-for-profit festival programme is key to its success and each year new dimensions are added to drive footfall and improve civic pride in the area.”
Kirriemuir’s entry, she said, highlighted its focus on giving back to the community with various local businesses employing local school leavers and providing life skills and training.
It was submitted by Kirriemuir and Local Business Association.
High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP congratulated both towns on being shortlisted and urged people to take part in a public vote, which will account for 30% of their scores.
He said: “The awards celebrate the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets and the quality of entries this year has been outstanding.
“Over the next six weeks Kirriemuir High Street and Newport-on-Tay High Street have the chance to impress an expert judging panel as they also battle it out in a public vote for the title of Britain’s best high street.”
Some 26 streets across the UK are vying for the for the champion award and 12 for the rising star title.
Votes can be cast at www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk and winners will be announced on November 15.
