The 2021 winner in the “Business Walking Champion” category is Milngavie, a project that brought together business, council and community.
Following Milngavie BID’s announcement last month of the precinct development “Taking Strides towards the future in Milngavie Town Centre“, Milngavie was nominated in the inaugural Scottish Walking Awards 2021.
Throughout the year, more than 40,000 walkers from around the world converge on Milngavie to embark on the 96-mile route to Fort William. However, the West Highland Way is only one of a number of trails to and from the town. Together, these have earned Milngavie its reputation as a hub for walking and cycling.
The visual branding efforts in the town have created a lasting impression for first time visitors to Milngavie, at the beginning of a special journey for many people.
Local people of all ages and abilities are increasingly using Milngavie as their base to set off on daily walking and cycling adventures. Over 1 million people were recorded on Milngavie’s footfall counters in the last year during the pandemic, as people re-discovered their local areas and walking routes on their doorstep as well as supporting local businesses that were allowed to open.
The public realm developments in the town centre along with a co-ordinated approach to showcasing the walking and cycling routes available, have made Milngavie a focal point for people to meet outdoors safely and take their daily exercise in the local area.
The development proposals have been through an engagement process and have received the support of local authorities, businesses, and residents. They represent a vision for the town centre as a destination for people of all ages, nationalities, and abilities, and as an attractive home for locals and businesses.
Thomas Glen, East Dunbartonshire Council’s Depute Chief Executive – Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets, said:
“We’re delighted that Milngavie BID has been recognised as part of the first-ever Scottish Walking Awards.
The Business Walking Champion Award is fitting recognition of the excellent work being carried out by the BID in the town centre, backed by East Dunbartonshire Council – in conjunction with traders, firms and local organisations – to develop and promote the area’s many great assets for residents and visitors.
The Council continues to support Milngavie BID, now in its successful second term, as a key organisation delivering improvements and boosting vitality – tying in with our town centre, economic and active travel strategies.”
