Linlithgow has come 4th in a nationwide poll to find Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street. Having received 14% of nearly 5,000 votes cast, Linlithgow only just missed out to Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire for third place, which scored 15%. Kirkwall came in first followed by its island town neighbour, Lerwick. The national competition for Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street is run by two of Scotland’s most well known organisations for place and the environment – Scotland’s Towns Partnership, the national body for towns in Scotland, and Keep Scotland Beautiful, the environmental charity which campaigns to keep Scotland green, clean and sustainable. Entries are judged on factors including horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility, and community participation. The online vote took place over a four week period through the Scotland’s Towns Partnership website. Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said, “This competition is all about recognising the work and effort of local people to make their high streets the best they can be. It’s not just an award for a high street, it’s an award for the people who occupy them. I’ve seen first hand just some of the innovation and forward thinking used in Kirkwall and it is a real demonstration of what can be achieved with creativity and determination. I want to warmly congratulate Kirkwall, and all of the worthy towns who were shortlisted. It’s no secret that our high streets have been under pressure for the past few years, but this competition gives us hope for the future. When people come together and take ownership of their places, great things can happen and big challenges can be overcome.” Katie Murray, Communities and Place Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, commented, “Every participant in the competition deserves recognition for the benefits that they are delivering across Scotland – helping everyone to enjoy cleaner, greener and more beautiful communities.”