Inverurie named Scotland’s Town of the Year
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Inverurie, a town 16 miles from Aberdeen in Scotland, received the title of Scotland’s Town of the Year after judges recognised residents’ success in revitalising the community.
Scotland’s Towns Partnership chose Inverurie over Kirkwall, Fort William, Falkirk and East Kilbride, acknowledging the town’s ability to avoid decline and support both new and established businesses. Residents and business owners have fostered a strong community spirit, with many families running businesses for multiple generations.
They prioritise supporting local traders, ensuring residents can find most goods within Inverurie itself. The town hosted the Garioch Pipe Band Championships in 2024, attracting around 9,000 visitors, and its monthly farmers’ market has grown significantly since 2024. The judges and local officials highlighted the town’s success as a result of collective effort. Provost of Aberdeenshire Judy Whyte, a lifelong resident, stated that Inverurie maintains a “country heart” while offering modern amenities.
Recent data shows Inverurie’s retail vacancy rate is approximately 4%, demonstrating its commercial strength. The town also has a twinning link with Bagnères-de-Bigorre in France, established ten years ago.
