Business leaders are hoping to attract more visitors to an Aberdeenshire town now that the “buzz” has finally returned to its centre.
As well as launching a new campaign designed to boost trade among people living there, entitled “shop local – shop safely”, Inverurie’s Business Improvement District (Bid) group and the local business association want to make it a “destination” for others travelling from afar.
The north-east town has, like so many others, made huge changes to its high street as a result of the pandemic.
Derek Ritchie, of the Bid group, has helped co-ordinate the purchase of 100 sanitiser stations now dotted across the town, distributed grants and worked with retailers on how to navigate current troubled waters.
Mr Ritchie discussed the measures now being considered to ramp up trade now that all the pieces are in place for people to shop safely.
He said: “We’re lucky that people in Inverurie are resilient and have worked together throughout this.
“A little bit of a buzz is coming back to the town, but some people are understandably still nervous about going into shops.
“A lot of hard work has gone into adapting the town centre and there are still tough times ahead for local retailers – so we need people to support them. Shop local and shop safely is our motto.
“If you don’t use your high street, you lose it.”
Scotland loves local.
INverurie Loves Local.
Please support your town centre to help local businesses through what is still a difficult time for them.
Shop Local – Shop Safely in INverurie.#lovelocal#ScotlandLovesLocal https://t.co/SF00st8JlK— We Are Inverurie – BID (@invbizco) July 20, 2020
Mr Ritchie added that steps could be taken to market Inverurie, which to many is seen as a commuter town, as a destination for Scots to visit as an alternative to international travel.
The Garioch Heritage Centre, abundance of historic sites and “beautiful walks in the countryside” such as the nearby Bennachie hill could all attract holidaymakers.
He added: “Inverurie is a brilliant base to visit the north-east from.”
There are a number of soon-to-be revealed events being organised to help bolster trade and morale as well.
However, a decision has not been made yet on whether or not to cancel Inverurie’s popular Christmas lights switch-on event.
Last night the deputy leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Peter Argyle, commended the work of Inverurie townsfolk to bring the centre back to life.
derek 3 W M Bruce that has been in the family for 97 yearsMr Argyle said: “Aberdeenshire Council is committed to supporting our town centres and town centre businesses and recognise how challenging times are for them.
“We have really excellent town centres with a huge range of businesses. We need to celebrate our towns and really think far more about buying and shopping locally.”
