Kirkwall named runner-up for Scotland Town of the Year

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 11:15 · Archive

Kirkwall has been named runner-up in Scotland's Town of the Year competition, which was won by Inverurie.

Kirkwall has been named runner-up in the 2026 Scotland Town of the Year competition, which is part of the Scotland Loves Local Awards. The award went to Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, whilst Fort William, Falkirk and East Kilbride were also named as runners-up. The competition is organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership.

Kirkwall's application was submitted by the town's Business Improvement District (BID). It showcased the depth of partnership working and the positive impact of recent projects in the town. The judges looked for a town with a clear vision and strong partnership working that has made meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place.

Kirsty Talbot, manager of Kirkwall BID, said: 'We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for The Town of the Year and to be recognised alongside so many inspiring towns and organisations from across Scotland.' She added that whilst the town would have liked to win the award, the runner-up position 'reflects the strength of our town centre and business community' and celebrates the BID's work to support local businesses, promote the high street, and enhance the experience for residents and visitors.

How it is being reported

• Orkney town named runner-up in Town of the Year titleKirkwall has been named as one of Scotland’s top towns. Orkney’s capital has been named as a runner-up in this year’s Scotland Town of the Year competition — part of the Scotland Loves Local Awards. Recognition in the awards follows a strong application submitted by Kirkwall Business Improvement District (BID), showcasing the positive impact of […] The post Orkney town named runner-up in Town of the Year title appeared first on The Orcadian Online .The Orcadian · 23 Oct, 10:49
• Pride in Kirkwall’s independent business community despite not winning Scotland’s top town awardKirkwall Bid manager Kirsty Talbot says being named runner-up in the competition has recognised the depth of work happening in the town.Press and Journal · 23 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Kirkwall · Inverurie · Aberdeenshire · Scotland's Towns Partnership · Kirkwall Business Improvement District · Kirsty Talbot

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem