LERWICK woman Emma Miller has picked up a second award in as many weeks – this time for her work supporting the town centre.
Hot on the heels of being named one of Scotland’s top 100 women in tourism, the manager of the Living Lerwick project has now scooped the High Street Heroes regional award for Shetland.
The 41-year old said: “I’m very honoured to be recognised as part of the High Street Heroes awards – even to be nominated by those who felt I had done enough to make a positive difference is extremely gratifying.
“To win the regional champion title was unexpected and I’m just delighted.”
Miller has been recognised for her dedication in supporting those working in the town centre.
Her nomination stated: “Over coronavirus she has issued weekly emails to all businesses in Shetland on where to get help, grants and support and has also supported many businesses personally so that they could get back up and running.
“She always does her very best to help people and make our town centre a great place to visit. Emma has significantly improved engagement amongst members and has provided excellent support to BID businesses around Shetland during lockdown.”
Meanwhile, the highly commended award for Shetland is going to Edna Irvine of clothing store Robertson & Smith.
Judges were told: “Edna has been very active as a local shop owner and an unpaid director of Living Lerwick in supporting the reopening of the high street.
“She arranged for a grant of £5,000 from the Shetland Retailers Association to provide funding for 2m distancing stickers and hand sanitiser to be purchased and then helped to distribute them, not only in Lerwick but throughout Shetland, which has been a great help to the retail sector and has aided customer confidence.”
The chief officer of the Scotland’s Towns Partnership, the organisation that runs the awards scheme, Phil Prentice said: “The dedication with which people in Shetland 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.”
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