Inspirational independent gift retailer David Robertson – managing director of gift shop Bijou in Elgin, and Pozzi in Buckie – has won the prestigious High Street Hero Award, Scotland category, at the Great British High Street Awards.
A tireless high street campaigner, David, who won a Greats award earlier this year, was praised by the Daily Mirror, who together with Visa, backed the competition. He was featured in Saturday’s newspaper, with the coverage showing David in his shop.
“David helped his parents turn their newsagent’s into a gift shop,” explained the newspaper. “Then nine years ago, he and his mum bought a former nightclub and converted it into a shop, café and beauty salon. He also helped to set up the local Business Improvement District – BID – which transformed a street in Elgin where half the shops stood empty in 2008.”
“You need to stand up and be counted,” emphasised David.
He was nominated by his local council in Moray in recognition of his dedication not only in boosting trade in Elgin, but also for the relationship that he has forged with schools over the past 15 years, as well as for his work in raising awareness on mental health issues.
This year’s Great British High Street Awards featured four High Street Hero categories: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The judging panel – made up of retailing, business and community experts – were impressed by David’s passion and approach as chairman of the Elgin BID.
Other Great British High Street winners were: Emma Cornfield-Walters, who won the High Street Hero Wales category; Sarah Munn won the High Street Hero award for Northern Ireland, and Jennifer Crowther who took home the High Street Hero Award as winner of the England category. Crickellhowell in Wales voted the UK’s top high street.
Top: David Robertson was the winner of Scotland’s High Street Hero trophy at the prestigious Great British High Street Awards.
