As we embrace the dawn of 2025, Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) is filled with optimism for the year ahead. Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie reflects on the strides made in revitalising Scotland’s town centres and lays out an exciting vision for the future. From local businesses thriving to community-led projects flourishing, 2024 was a year of significant progress. But there’s more work to do, and the STP is determined to keep the momentum going.
Unlocking the Potential of Scotland’s Towns
The start of 2025 presents an opportunity for even greater strides in Scotland’s town centre revitalisation efforts. The focus will be on fostering creative, sustainable solutions that not only address practical needs but also inspire connection and pride within communities. By investing in local assets and nurturing vibrant economies, the goal is to create places where people want to live, work, and visit. Whether preserving historic landmarks or designing modern public spaces, there is tremendous potential to shape Scotland’s towns into thriving, dynamic destinations.
The Growing Power of Localism
The success of initiatives like Scotland Loves Local has highlighted the power of localism, showing the profound impact that supporting local businesses and community projects can have. The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card has been one such innovation that has fostered a sense of community and bolstered local economies. With impressive sales during the Christmas season, it’s clear that embracing local commerce has far-reaching benefits.
The movement to “think local first” will continue to gain momentum in 2025. By shopping locally and supporting a wide range of businesses and services, we can help build a stronger, more resilient Scotland. It’s not just about supporting businesses—it’s about investing in the people and places that define our communities.
Opportunities for Collaboration and Growth
The year ahead promises opportunities for growth and collaboration. The STP is dedicated to creating spaces where individuals and organisations passionate about the future of Scotland’s towns can come together to share ideas and foster partnerships. Kimberley Guthrie highlighted a series of upcoming events that will provide platforms for community members and business leaders to spark real change and inspire action.
By working together across all sectors of society, the goal is to continue improving Scotland’s towns, making them inclusive and vibrant hubs where residents and visitors can feel connected.
A Year of Transformation
2025 is about more than maintaining progress—it’s about taking bold, creative steps to ensure that Scotland’s communities are at the heart of every initiative. The focus will be on reimagining towns to thrive as cultural, commercial, and community-centred spaces. As we move forward, the involvement of all community members will be crucial in shaping towns that serve the needs of the people and celebrate their unique identities.
Kimberley Guthrie urges individuals to remain engaged and contribute to the exciting developments ahead. By staying involved and sharing ideas, everyone can help make 2025 a transformative year for Scotland’s towns.
