Two of the region's high streets in the running for national award

  • Border

Kelso and Castle Douglas are two of seven Scottish town’s bidding to gain recognition in the ‘Great British High Street Awards’ 2019.

The Square in Kelso, along with King Street in Castle Douglas make up the 27 locations nominated for the Rising Star High Street award.

The award celebrates up and coming local communities, and the two in question are especially worthy of their nominations in the eyes of locals and visitors.

Kelso’s local MP, John Lamont, is behind the recognition in a competition that recognises the United Kingdom as a whole.

Lamont said: “Kelso is such a beautiful and diverse shopping centre with a wide range of independent retailers and shops.”

  • We spoke to people in Castle Douglas.

In an age where consumers move to online shopping the high streets may not be seen to many as the thriving hubs of a town anymore.

Awards like these help continue to celebrate bustling and vibrant high streets, alongside local businesses, says Lamont.

“I hope that Borderers will get behind Kelso and help them win this great award”, he added.

The voting is open on thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk, with the winner set to be announced in November. The high street crowned the greatest will be awarded with up to £15,000, which will be put towards local projects.