Fife’s high street heroes honoured

The Scotland Loves Local campaign has highlighted amazing dedication and efforts to help communities through Covid-19 pandemic

High Street Heroes from across Fife have been recognised for their remarkable work during the coronavirus crisis.

In Fife, the Regional Champion award went to Mr Ali’s Convenience Store, Rumblingwell, Dunfermline. A number of other people and businesses have been highly commended.

The nomination for Mr Ali’s stated: “This business has been a lifeline, especially to the elderly and people shielding. It is a true credit to the community. They have delivered goods to the vulnerable, provided free bread and milk to locals, donated goods to the local food bank, charities and the NHS.”

As part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, the awards highlight the tremendous differences that local individuals and local businesses has made to peoples’ lives throughout Covid-19. A roll of honour of all nominees has been published at www.lovelocal.scot.

Meanwhile, Highly Commended awards have gone to other Fifers.

Gayle Wilson & Leslie Community Pantry.

Judges were told: “Leslie Community Pantry has made a huge difference to many peoples lives within Leslie and the surrounding areas by providing a drop-in or delivery service enabling anyone to gain access to food, toiletries, clothing or anything that has kindly been donated by other people or organisations.

“These people have acted with incredible generosity and kindness in a community which is very close. The occupants of Leslie and those who have relied on the service provided by the pantry will be forever grateful. These are true high street heroes.”

Pittenweem Hub staff.

Judges were told: “The Pittenweem Hub is a pillar of our community. Providing support to residents, of all ages, the Hub is the social centre of the village. Incorporating a Post Office, Pharmacy and shop, the Hub, is a gathering place and much more than simply a business. The staff are more like family than employees, and will always go out of their way to go the extra mile. Over lockdown, the hub’s permanency was a real support to the older people of the village, offering a delivery service for groceries. Pittenweem Hub contributes immensely to the relationships and general community spirit of the village.”

Sarah Keeble, founder S.H.I.E.L.D. Fife.

Judges were told: “Sarah has been a tremendous help to people in the local community during the pandemic. She launched a new organisation (S.H.I.E.L.D UK) from scratch, which has been delivering food parcels, clothing and other essential items to vulnerable people across West Fife. Sarah has been an inspiration during this crisis.”

Alvina Menzies & Enlighten Cupar.

Judges were told: “Alvina runs the Enlighten hub as a community space on Cupar’s Bonnygate. She rents the shop at a low cost, on short term basis, to enable small businesses to be part of the high street that would just not be feasible for many makers, artists and producers. Alvina is a huge asset to the area.”

Dave Roper (Spiderman fundraiser) and Dean Saunders (charity piper).

Judges were told of Dave Roper: “Dave has delighted local people by running around Dunfermline and West Fife, dressed as Spiderman. Not only did he put a smile on people’s faces when we all really needed it most, Dave raised thousands of pounds for children’s charities in the process. He also attracted a whole team of costumed saviours, who joined in with the fun to take on exciting challenges for a fantastic cause. Dave is an amazing person.”

They were told of Dean Saunders: “Dean spent every day during lockdown travelling and bringing smiles to peoples faces with his bagpipes. He played in gardens, in streets, at care homes and hospitals. There must be hundreds if not thousands of local people who have seen or heard him play. He’s offered to play at houses of others who have done good deeds, to teach someone struggling with their mental health the bagpipes for free to give them something to focus on. He also joined the superheroes group and led their weekly parades piping from the front. He thoroughly deserves an award for the time spent making people happy.”

Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) with the support of the Scottish Government to help the country’s response to the pandemic by thinking local first for all shopping and service needs.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “I would like to thank these High Street Heroes for going the extra mile to help their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am pleased the Scottish Government has been able to support these awards through our funding for Scotland’s Towns Partnership. They typify the kind of community spirit that has supported people and improved lives.

“This has been a difficult year for all of us, and the only way we will get through is by sticking together, being kind, and offering help where it is needed. The fact that these awards received more than 1,200 nominations just shows how much people have appreciated those who have pulled together to help one another.”

STP’s Chief Officer, Phil Prentice, said: “The dedication with which people across Fife 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.

“They are an inspiration - local people helping their communities and customers like never before. They highlight the vital part that high street businesses play in our lives and why we must support them to ensure they continue to be there for us.”