Lerwick has come runner-up in a poll of Scotland’s most beautiful high streets, being just pipped to the post by our island neighbour Kirkwall, in Orkney.
The poll, which was carried out by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, the national body for towns in Scotland, and Keep Scotland Beautiful, the environmental charity, invited members of the public to vote for their favourite high street in Scotland.
Kirkwall won with 21% of the vote, followed closely by Lerwick on 18%, with the East Dunbartonshire town of Milngavie coming third with 15%. The other shortlisted towns included: Ayr, Innerleithen, Linlithgow, Lanark, and Rothesay.
Lerwick's Commercial Street, affectionately known by locals as Da Street, has witnessed a welcome regeneration in recent years with even more independent shops and businesses, attracting both locals and visitors alike. A concerted effort is being made by the community to make Lerwick a more vibrant, viable and sustainable town centre.
Emma Miller, project manager of Living Lerwick, the local business improvement district scheme said: “If we had to come second to anyone, then I think it's only right that it was our next door neighbour! We are delighted to have done so well in the competition and have Da Street acknowledged as beautiful by 18% of the voting public.
"The business owners work hard to provide a variety of goods and services to us and make such a great effort, particularly at this time of year, to create exceptional window displays. There's been a lot of change on Da Street in the past few years and I've had lots of feedback recently that the area is looking really good. I'd wholeheartedly agree and thank all those who take time and effort to make it so."