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17TH JANUARY 2011, 7.30pm
Low Port Centre
Members may recall that the Association considered the case for a Business Improvement District (BID) in Linlithgow 18 months ago and concluded that the time was not right for Linlithgow to undertake the project.
The LBA has reviewed recent events in the Town and events elsewhere and considers the time is now ripe to revisit whether Linlithgow should undertake a BIDS project.
A meeting has therefore been arranged for 17th January, 7.30pm at Low Port Centre, Linlithgow.
To read more, click here.
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LBA Meeting
Wed 22nd Dec at
8am Global Technology Hub
BID Meeting 17th January 2011 Low Port Centre |
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Many thanks to all who have taken time to respond to our survey in the midst of a very difficult period for everyone, business and non-business people alike, to make known their views on the recent period of unprecedented winter weather.
While a range of views has been expressed the tone of the response is overwhelmingly positive and characterised by commitment and belief that we, as a community, can do much better.
In some areas, such as Community Trusts, there is acceptance of a lack of detailed understanding of the concept but scarcely a hint of negativity.
To read more, click here.
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DONALDSON'S INFORMATION DAY
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INFORMATION DAY SATURDAY 26TH FEBRUARY, 2011 10am - 1pm Information Days are free to attend and provide a perfect opportunity for parents and professionals to find out more about Donaldson's, Scotland's national school for pupils who are deaf or have communication difficulties.
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Wishing all our members
and friends a
Happy Christmas
and a very Prosperous New Year |
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LINLITHGOW GOING FOR GOLD |
 Hanging Baskets and Holly Balls
In recognition of wide-ranging commitment from townspeople towards the quality of its environment, Linlithgow was privileged to gain a 'Silver Gilt' award from Beautiful Scotland this year, an improvement on 2009's 'Silver' award and a good basis on which to 'go for gold' in the future. Should the town ever win its Medium Towns category, a resulting nomination for the UK 'Britain in Bloom' could generate much good publicity.
For Linlithgow, the co-ordination and submission of bids for Beautiful Scotland recognition are the responsibility of the Burgh Beautiful campaign (part of Linlithgow Civic Trust). The substance of the bid can be found in the Judges' Portfolio. This is a useful summary of environmental activities in the town and covers not only floral displays, but such things as biodiversity, recycling, cleanliness, local heritage, quality of environment (including paving and street furniture), community and business involvement, the work of schools, year-round activities and fund-raising events.
The Linlithgow & Linlithgow Bridge Town Management Group provides a very supportive role, and, together with the Scottish Government's town centres fund, has financed a programme of environmental improvements to the town centre. In particular, co-operation between Burgh Beautiful, the Linlithgow Business Association and the Rotary Club of Linlithgow & Bo'ness has led to conspicuous success in self-funded town enhancement through the sponsorship and provision of hanging baskets and holly balls.
To read more click here.
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These last few weeks have been trying for all of us, those who trade along the High Street and those who travel along it alike. I have never before seen that quantity of snow lying - but it has been heartening to experience the degree of 'mucking in' that has taken place over the days. Neighbours and strangers alike have stopped and helped dig out cars and clear the pavement, coffee and tea have been available for 'the workers' as an incentive to keep on shovelling, and the spirits have, in the main, remained high.
So far, so good - but footfall has dropped dramatically. Add these quiet couple of weeks to the recent Star and Garter and paving disruptions, and we have all had to tighten our belts a notch or so. It was noticeable at the weekend, when the thaw had taken hold and more people were able to take their cars out and walk in safety, that customer numbers were back to a more seasonal norm. I think there is more resilience around than might generally be recognised, and that Linlithgow High Street has an attraction for shoppers of all interests that we can build upon.
To read more, click here.
The Line Gallery, 238 High Street, Linlithgow EH49 7ES Tel: 01506 670268; Visit website |
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Utopia, literally translated, means a place that doesn't exist - a nowhere place.
We imagine that in Utopia everything is perfect, the polar opposite of our High Street this year ('polar' being a rather apt description as I look out of my window this morning). Our High Street has been far from a Utopian vision during 2010. The dreadful weather in January and February followed by the deepening recession, followed by the continuing closure of the Burgh Halls, followed by the pandemic disruption of pavement replacements, then the fire and brimstone of the Star and Garter's demise, and finally a deluge of snow-fall the like of which few of us have seen before have all dramatically reduced footfall along the street, reducing customers and reducing the flagging profits for business owners. If it starts raining locusts and frogs I'm going home.
However....My daughter wrote a piece about Utopia for a school project recently. She wisely concluded that if everything was perfect life would be very dull and no-one would have any reason to do anything useful. Well, the dystopia on the High Street this year has been far from dull, and we all have lots of reasons to do useful things - if only we knew what to do for the best!
They say that what doesn't kill us makes us strong. In that case the businesses that survive into 2011 must be very strong indeed. Enjoy the Christmas break everyone and re-enter the fray with new vigour in the New Year. It can only get better..... can't it?
By Cross Views |
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NEW MEMBER ARTICLE: KILTS BY LINDSAY |
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KILTS BY LINDSAY
Kilts by Lindsay was started almost 10 years ago and is now a successful bespoke Highland Wear outfitter. Most of my business now comes from referrals, with major orders coming from contacts through two of my main suppliers. I am currently working on an order for 126 piper's and drummer's plaids for Celtic Music Events in Germany, which is worth over £12k. This is a huge order in terms of my business and will be developed into a valuable ongoing concern. In addition, they have started using Kilts by Lindsay for their individual client's kilts. I am also working with another company here in Scotland, which is currently being kept quiet till it gets off the ground, but there is a real opportunity to develop the business even further.
 Kilts by Lindsay will offer LBA members a 10% discount on either a kilt or a full bespoke outfit. Everything except the Ghillie Brogues (unavoidable) is made in Scotland or the UK at Kilts by Lindsay
Lindsay Cross, Kilts by Lindsay, 152 Deanswood Park, Deans, Livingston EH54 8NZ Mobile: 07752024771; Tel: 01506 413556 |
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